Unfortunately, instances of abuse within the Interpol system are becoming more frequent every year. Many authoritarian countries, such as Russia, the UAE, Turkey, China, and others, regularly use red notices against innocent citizens purely for political reasons, in attempts to intimidate debtors or suppress dissent.

Often, people find out they’re on the Interpol Dubai wanted list only when they’re at the airport or trying to cross a border. They don’t even have a chance to prepare an effective defense strategy before they’re arrested on the spot. Such individuals find themselves restricted in their freedom of movement, facing extradition to countries where they could be subjected to persecution, unfair trials, gross human rights violations, or even torture. If you’ve encountered a Dubai Interpol Red Notice, it’s crucial to seek qualified legal assistance from our team of experienced Interpol lawyers as soon as possible.

Interpol notices are an official tool for exchanging information between member countries, which helps coordinate efforts to combat international crime. Through such a mechanism, Interpol Dubai disseminates information about individuals wanted for crimes, threats, dangerous objects, and missing persons.

Depending on their purpose and intended use, Interpol classifies its notices by color:

There’s also a special notification issued upon the request of the UN Security Council, which is used to inform countries about individuals and organizations that are subject to UN sanctions.

The purpose of Interpol’s red notices

The most common and serious is the Interpol Red Notice. It is used for the international search of individuals wanted for serious crimes, with the aim of their temporary arrest and subsequent extradition.

The main purpose of a red notice is to coordinate international efforts to apprehend and extradite criminals who have fled abroad, swiftly disseminate information, and assist in their arrest as quickly as possible.

However, it’s important to note that a red notice does not have the legal authority of an arrest warrant. Law enforcement agencies in member countries decide at their discretion whether to temporarily detain the person being sought.

The Dubai Interpol Red Notice contains the following information:

Every Interpol member country independently decides how to respond to such notifications and has the right to refuse arrest if it contradicts its domestic legislation.

Interpol in Dubai is important in the international fight against transnational crime. If you or your loved ones have ended up on the Interpol Dubai wanted list, it’s crucial to secure legal support as soon as possible. Our lawyers offer a full range of legal services related to Interpol matters.

At the initial consultation, experienced professionals will explain in detail how an Interpol notice can affect your freedom of movement and legal status, as well as help you understand the nature of the charges against you and the potential consequences. 

We will assess the legality of the notices and any possible errors in their application to further initiate a dispute procedure.

If you’ve been detained at the request of Interpol in Dubai, our lawyers will provide immediate legal support and represent your interests during court proceedings and all stages of the extradition process. If necessary, we will also prepare a well-founded appeal to the Interpol Commission for the Control of Files (CCF) to cancel the notice. An experienced specialist will prepare all the evidence and arguments proving the insufficiency or illegality of the notice.

Our team at Interpol Lawyers in Dubai has extensive experience in negotiating with law enforcement agencies and diplomatic missions to find the best solution for your case.

The United Arab Emirates is committed to international cooperation and the fight against transnational crime. The country actively participates in global initiatives aimed at combating money laundering, terrorism financing, corruption, and other international legal violations. The UAE’s extradition system is based on international agreements and national legislation, enabling effective collaboration with other nations regarding the extradition of wanted individuals and their legal accountability.

Federal Law No. 39 of 2006 “On Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters” is the primary legislative act that governs issues related to extradition and cooperation in criminal matters.

Common accusations of international crimes

The United Arab Emirates is a popular destination among tourists and expatriates, which leads to an increase in the number of international crimes.

Money laundering is one of the most common crimes in the UAE, especially given the volume of international money flows passing through the country. Financial hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract business activity, leading to the use of banking systems for laundering illicit proceeds. In response, the UAE is actively implementing anti-money laundering (AML) measures and collaborating with international organizations to combat financial crimes.

Investment fraud, cyber fraud, and Ponzi schemes are also widespread in the UAE. Corruption and bribery in both the public and private sectors are also considered serious crimes, with strict penalties in place.

Another common issue in the UAE is unpaid and canceled checks. In this country, issuing a check without sufficient funds to cover it is considered a criminal offense.

The Extradition Process in the UAE

The first step in the extradition process to the UAE is to submit an official request for the extradition of the person being sought. The request can be transmitted through diplomatic channels, law enforcement agencies, or Dubai’s Interpol office. The request must include details about the crime, evidence of guilt, and information about the person being sought.

The UAE Ministry of Justice will conduct an initial review of the request to ensure compliance with requirements. If the request violates legislation or international obligations, it can be rejected.

After this, law enforcement agencies detain the suspect and place them under temporary arrest while the case is being reviewed. This is a temporary measure that does not automatically imply extradition. The detainee has the right to legal defense and can appeal the detention.

The judicial bodies of the UAE review the request and assess its justification. During the hearing, the court checks whether the charges meet the criteria for dual criminality, as well as the presence of evidence. A UAE court will make the final decision on whether to grant or deny extradition. If the court grants the request, the Ministry of Justice and law enforcement agencies in the UAE will organize the process of transferring the individual. If denied, the person may be released if there are no other grounds for detention.

To start, it’s necessary to analyze the legality of the notification. Our team of experienced lawyers will conduct a thorough check for compliance with Interpol norms in Dubai. If it was issued for political reasons, in the absence of evidence of a crime, or in violation of human rights, this could be grounds for its removal.

To remove a red notice, you need to file an appeal with the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF), which is responsible for ensuring compliance with Interpol’s rules and protecting human rights. To do this, it’s necessary to prepare a comprehensive body of evidence proving the illegality or non-compliance of the notice. Our lawyers assisted in gathering and organizing information to create a compelling dossier for the CCF. We provide clients with full support at every stage, which helps increase the chances of a successful review of the request.

After submitting the application, our lawyers continue to monitor the status of the red notice and keep the client informed about the progress of the case. If there are any changes or a need for additional actions, we will respond promptly and update our defense strategy accordingly.

Individuals named in an active red notice may face significant risks and restrictions that can impact their freedom of movement, financial status, business operations, and even immigration status.

Potential legal and tourist restrictions

The border and immigration services of the UAE regularly check Interpol’s databases. An individual with an active red notice may be detained when attempting to enter or leave the country. Even if the UAE is not the final destination, transiting through the Emirates could lead to detention.

Having a red notice can result in being denied a visa or residency permit, limiting opportunities for work, study, or living in the UAE.

A person can be detained during the period of consideration for an extradition request. If the request is granted, the individual will be transferred to the requesting country for prosecution.

Impact on Employment and Immigration

Government agencies can deny the issuance of necessary licenses and permits for conducting business. Companies may face financial audits and even asset freezes. And international partners may refuse to cooperate due to potential risks.

Banks in the UAE are required to adhere to international standards for combating money laundering and terrorism financing. Upon receiving information about a red notice, they can freeze the accounts and assets of the individual. Furthermore, such individuals may be denied the opening of new accounts or the provision of financial services.

An active Interpol notice can lead to the cancellation of a visa or residency permit in the UAE. Immigration services have the right to deny visa extension or cancel it based on an international search warrant. This could result in deportation or forced departure from the country, impacting personal life and career.

Our team of lawyers offers comprehensive legal services in Dubai to address any issues related to Interpol. We will help analyze your situation, assess potential legal risks, and develop the best defense strategy. Experienced specialists will file an appeal with the CCF Commission to remove or contest the notice.

Our lawyers will ensure the protection of your rights in the event of detention and will help you resist an extradition request. We also provide services related to unblocking accounts, protecting your financial interests, and negotiating with banks.

Contact us right now for a consultation and initial analysis of your situation. Our lawyers are ready to answer all your questions and suggest effective steps to protect your interests.