Interpol Purple Notice in the UAE

The main goal of such notice is to inform the law enforcement agencies of the 196 member countries of Interpol about identified criminal schemes, used objects, or concealment techniques. This may concern new methods of drug smuggling, document forgery, ways of covert transportation of weapons, or even innovative technologies of cybercriminals.

In the UAE, as one of the largest transportation and business hubs in the world, the significance of purple notices is especially important. They help the police and other government agencies identify threats at an early stage and adapt their security mechanisms. Thanks to this, the country stays one step ahead of international criminal syndicates.

The key role in this system is played by the General Secretariat of Interpol in Lyon. It is here that information about new methods of crimes is analyzed and verified, after which it is sent to all 196 member states. Such centralized processing allows for the standardization of data and ensures that each country receives complete and reliable notification.

In the United Arab Emirates, such an information conduit is the National Central Bureau in Abu Dhabi. It is responsible for receiving notifications from the General Secretariat and further coordinating work with local authorities, including Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, and specialized security units. It is through the NCB that global information is transformed into specific protective measures within the country.

An important element of the system is international cooperation. Interpol actively interacts with other organizations, such as Europol and the World Customs Organization (WCO). For the UAE, this holds particular significance. As one of the largest logistics hubs in the world, with the Jebel Ali port and DXB airport, the country becomes a potential target for smuggling, fraudulent schemes, and cyber threats.

The Interpol color-coded notice system is a universal tool that allows law enforcement agencies of different countries to exchange information in a standardized form. Each notification has its own color and meaning: from searching for a specific person to warnings about potential threats.

Against this backdrop, the purple notice holds a special place. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is not focused on the identity of the criminal but on describing the method of committing the crime. If the red notice is associated with the arrest of a wanted person, then the purple notice documents how the crime is carried out. It contains information about new schemes, tools, or methods of concealment. For example, about hiding places for smuggling, forged documents, or new techniques used by cybercriminals.

That is why the purple notice is preventive in nature: it allows states to prepare in advance for new challenges, adapt security measures, and exchange knowledge before criminal practices spread at the international level.

A separate focus is placed on information about methods of smuggling concealment, which is especially important for a hub like Jebel Ali. The police receive instructions and schemes detailing exactly how smugglers hide illegal goods in commercial shipments: which product categories, container positions, and packaging methods are used, as well as what fake accompanying documents are typically included. This knowledge helps customs and port police target selective inspections and minimize economic losses and risks for legitimate businesses.

All these materials are accompanied by visual evidence: photographs of devices and goods, construction diagrams, detailed drawings, video footage from surveillance cameras, and diagrams of financial flows showing intermediary accounts and transfer routes. The clarity of such materials is critical: it accelerates threat recognition, staff training, and the preparation of preventive measures.

Finally, the reports include an analysis of the target audience of criminals: whom they choose as victims—foreign investors unfamiliar with local practices or companies from specific sectors (construction companies, brokerage agencies, hospitality business). Understanding the audience allows the police and relevant agencies to launch targeted warnings and informational campaigns, while businesses can strengthen compliance and internal control in vulnerable areas.

In aggregate, this information transforms the reactive work of law enforcement into a proactive policy: an investigation officer receives not just a case to resolve but a ready working picture—who is acting, how they are acting, what tools they are using, and where to expect the next attempt. Timely notification of the police and information exchange with the NCB in Abu Dhabi can prevent significant losses and protect reputation. If you need assistance in risk assessment or interaction with UAE authorities, our lawyers can help prepare documents, establish communication with local structures, and minimize the legal consequences of the incident.

UAE is one of the leading international financial and logistics centers in the world, where the security of businesses and individuals is directly connected to global challenges. Despite the high level of law and order, the country faces new forms of crime that require international cooperation and constant updating of protective measures.

Financial fraud. One of the most common scenarios is the Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme. Fraudsters disguise themselves as executives of large companies, including those registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and demand urgent fund transfers from accounting employees. Such attacks harm businesses, weaken partner trust, and pose a threat to international investments in the region.

Cybercrime. With the growth of the digitalization of the economy, attacks using ransomware viruses are increasingly being recorded. Recently, a new type of malware targeting logistics companies in the UAE has been identified. The goal of such attacks is international freight transportation, and data blocking can paralyze supply chains in key hubs of the region.

Smuggling. An especially significant threat is posed by innovative methods of transporting illegal products. Criminal groups are already using drones to transfer counterfeit goods across industrial zones and warehouse complexes. This complicates the work of the police and customs, as traditional inspection systems are not always designed for such technologies.

One of the notable cases was the uncovering of the “Hawala 2.0” scheme. Cryptocurrencies were used here to bypass traditional channels and finance shadow operations. Thanks to the joint efforts of UAE financial regulators and international partners, it was possible to identify the system of hidden transfers and introduce additional control measures for digital transactions.

The Interpol notification system is an effective tool for international cooperation, allowing law enforcement agencies to exchange information in a standardized format. Each notification has its own color and clearly defined purpose, which helps distinguish tasks: from searching for missing persons to warning about global threats.

A purple notice from Interpol is often perceived by businesses as some sort of label that can be removed or contested. In reality, this is a common myth. Unlike red or yellow notices, a purple notice is not associated with a specific person or organization. It is neither an accusation nor an arrest warrant but rather an informational bulletin about a new method of crime or fraud scheme. Its purpose is to warn law enforcement agencies and companies about potential risks so they can build effective protection.

Nevertheless, business in the UAE cannot ignore such notifications, as they directly affect the sphere of compliance, financial security, and business reputation. This is where lawyers play a critical role, helping companies properly adapt to new challenges.

The primary task of lawyers is consulting on compliance. Specialists develop internal procedures for combating money laundering and client verification to minimize the likelihood of the company’s involvement in the schemes described in notifications. This approach strengthens the trust of banks, investors, and international partners.

The second area of support is Due Diligence. Lawyers conduct a thorough check of business partners and transactions, identifying possible connections with shadow operations. This is especially important for companies operating in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where international financial and trade operations take place daily and require an increased level of transparency.

Finally, lawyers protect the business in cases of false accusations. Sometimes the legitimate methods of a company’s operations are mistakenly interpreted as part of the suspicious schemes mentioned in notifications. In such a situation, a professional legal team helps to prove the legality of operations, prepare the necessary documents, and minimize reputational and financial risks.

In the context of globalization and active information exchange through Interpol, businesses in the UAE face new challenges. Purple notices directly affect the interests of companies: they indicate potential risks in the areas of finance, logistics, and cybersecurity. Although such notices do not concern specific individuals, their impact on the business environment is significant. Companies that respond to such signals in a timely manner strengthen their reputation and reduce the likelihood of involvement in questionable operations.

Our lawyers in the UAE specialize in supporting businesses under heightened transparency and security requirements. We provide consultations on AML/KYC compliance issues, establish internal procedures to protect against fraudulent schemes, conduct Due Diligence of partners and transactions, and represent clients’ interests in cases of false accusations. Thanks to our experience with international cases and close cooperation with UAE authorities, we ensure reliable legal protection and risk minimization for your business.

If you want to secure your company and be confident in its resilience in the face of international challenges, contact our lawyers as soon as possible. Schedule a consultation today, and we will offer solutions to help protect your assets, reputation, and future.