INTERPOL also faces broader challenges than just Red Notice abuse. As campaigners have highlighted the misuse of Red Notices, autocratic regimes have shifted to using other forms of pressure. Türkiye has turned to using the Stolen Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) system to target political opponents.
Here, the passport is reported as lost or stolen. Consequentially, when the target crosses a border, their passport is listed as such, meaning they cannot enter. However, the crucial twist is that being a national of Türkiye means that often the only place a target can be sent to is Türkiye – where they face, torture, political persecution and detention in horrendous conditions.
Alternatively, Blue Notices –used to request assistance in evidence gathering, are also being used purportedly to find evidence against individuals. Yet Blue Notices can also end up freezing bank accounts and preventing travel as local law enforcement seeks to execute the Blue Notices without any defence or input from individuals.
The New Secretary General also faces similar challenges to his processors regarding the use by autocratic regimes of their soft power. They use their membership of INTERPOL to burnish their adherence to the rule of law, when in reality, it is a fig leaf covering the naked ambition to use INTERPOL to repress opponents and dissenters.
The recent election of the Executive Committee of INTERPOL has shown the failings of democratic nations to cooperate in law enforcement. The 13-member Executive Committee includes members from the People’s Republic of China and Türkiye, alongside incumbent INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, an Emirati and Major general of the UAE’s interior Minister who remains under investigation in several states over allegations of complicity in torture .
Also in November 2024, following the General Assembly, Chinese Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong visited Lyon, France, meeting with President Al-Raisi and Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza at the General Secretariat HQ. That involved the signing of a ‘Declaration of Intent’ to enhance collaboration within INTERPOL.