HomeWhat countries are not in Interpol?
Interpol is the largest international organization that unites the efforts of law enforcement agencies from different countries to combat international crime. As of today, it includes 196 member countries. However, despite its global reach, not all countries are members of Interpol. This may be due to political, legal, or diplomatic factors.
Let’s take a closer look at which countries remain outside the organization and what prevents their participation in its work.
Interpol Members Countries
The international criminal police organization is a global network that facilitates cooperation among police forces of various member countries to combat crime jointly. Its main tasks are coordinating efforts by member countries to search for and apprehend suspects, exchanging information, and assisting in investigating international crimes like terrorism. Interpol is based in Lyon, France. However, Interpol does not conduct its investigations or arrests. However, it provides important support to national police investigations, helping law enforcement in different member countries cooperate with each other.
Which countries are not the members of the Interpol?
Interpol has 196 member countries and is the world’s largest police organization. However, other countries remain outside the organization. The reasons for non-participation vary widely—from political and legal disagreements to a lack of diplomatic recognition.
These countries have limited access to the tools and resources provided by Interpol, such as international arrest warrants, the global database, and assistance in conducting investigations.
Countries and territories not holding membership in Interpol:
- UN Member States: Palau, Tuvalu, Micronesia;
- Partially recognized states and organizations: Taiwan, Abkhazia, Northern Cyprus, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, South Ossetia, Sovereign Military Order of Malta;
- Unrecognized territories: Somaliland, Transnistria, Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh);
- North Korea: although it previously cooperated with Interpol, its current involvement is limited.
Nations that are not members of Interpol not only lack access to international tools for combating crime but also face difficulties in cooperating with law enforcement authorities of other countries. However, bilateral cooperation with Interpol is possible if these countries show interest in joint efforts to transnational organized crime.
What Are the Benefits of INTERPOL Membership?
Membership in the world’s largest police organization opens up broad opportunities for countries in the fight against international crime. One of the most important advantages is access to the international database. This database contains information about wanted criminals, terrorists, stolen vehicles, and forged documents. These resources help to respond promptly to threats and coordinate the efforts of police forces in different countries.
The organization actively facilitates cooperation between national police officers in Interpol member countries. Thanks to the secure communication network I-24/7, member states can exchange information in real-time. As a result, they more effectively combat transnational crime, such as smuggling, human trafficking, and cybercrime. INTERPOL members can participate in international operations to apprehend criminals and promptly neutralize threats.
In addition, Interpol conducts educational and training programs to prepare specialists in the latest investigation methods, working with evidence, and international law enforcement standards. This helps combat transnational crime in developing countries.
Is Interpol’s Authority Recognized in Every Country?
Interpol does not have supranational police powers and cannot independently make arrests, conduct searches, or interrogate individuals within a country’s territory. Its role is limited to coordinating and exchanging information between law enforcement agencies of different countries. Interpol issues notices, such as Red Notices, but these are not international arrest warrants and do not oblige countries to take immediate action. Each country decides how to respond to such notices. In countries that are not members of Interpol, the organisation has no official channels of communication, which excludes formal cooperation. In such cases, Interpol cannot conduct investigations or share information on an international level.
Can a non-member state seek help from the Interpol?
Non-member nations can still engage with the International Criminal Police Organization under certain circumstances related to transnational organized crime. While these countries don’t have direct access to Interpol databases, they can request assistance or extradition through other means to stop international criminals and boost their law enforcement abilities.
Does the Interpol prosecute criminals on transnational crimes?
No, the International Criminal Police Organization doesn’t have the authority to investigate, arrest, or prosecute criminals on their database. Instead, it facilitates law enforcement agencies worldwide to investigate and apprehend suspects pending extradition to the requesting country for further legal proceedings.
Legal Support from INTERPOL Lawyers
Legal support in matters related to Interpol’s activities like extradition requests plays an important role in protecting the rights and interests of individuals. Lawyers specializing in such issues assist citizens in dealing with requests and actions connected to Interpol mechanisms, including red notices. Their primary task is to protect clients from unlawful persecution on racial, religious grounds, or politically motivated charges, preventing abuses of international procedures.
If you have any concerns about issues related to Interpol requests, red notices, or questions of international law, it is important to act quickly. Improper actions can seriously affect your freedom and reputation.
Our team of professional Interpol lawyers is ready to help you understand the situation, protect your rights, and achieve justice. We provide consultations, appeals of red notices, support in extradition processes, and protection from unlawful prosecution.
Do not postpone solving such issues. Contact us right now to receive qualified assistance and protect yourself from possible consequences. Our experience with international cases is your confidence in a successful outcome!
