Russia, Interpol, and the Risks of Abuse

Drawing on findings from a BBC Eye Investigations report, we examine how Red Notices and diffusions can be exploited to target critics abroad, the human consequences for those affected, and the structural weaknesses that allow abusive requests to circulate for far too long.

26 January 2026 – BBC Eye Investigation reveals how Russia has allegedly used Interpol’s Red Notice system to target critics abroad. Ben Keith is quoted, highlighting the human impact and systemic risks posed by misuse of international policing tools.

On 21 January 2026, Newsweek published an op-ed by Red Notice Monitor editor Ben Keith examining the prosecution of Nicolás Maduro – and why the legality of his seizure is unlikely to shape the outcome.

On 14 January 2026, Red Notice Monitor Editor Rhys Davies publishes a piece in Solicitors Journal on how authoritarian states exploit Interpol Red Notices as a tool of transnational repression, and the remedies available to those who find themselves targeted.

Article for Verfassungsblog on 9 January 2026. Cross-border policing at a constitutional crossroads: weaponised notices, systemic vulnerabilities, and urgent reform needs.

China has become one of the most sophisticated users of the Interpol Red Notice system – and one of the most problematic. What distinguishes Chinese cases from those of other abusive states is the breadth of the campaign.

Singapore’s close partnership with Interpol – from hosting the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) to participating in operations like Thunder – makes it a jurisdiction where Interpol Red Notices are taken seriously. If you are subject to a Red Notice in Singapore, or believe you may be, understanding how the system works here is essential.

China is increasingly exploiting Interpol Red Notices as part of a sophisticated campaign of transnational repression, posing a serious risk to individuals and international law enforcement alike. Red Notices are used to locate targets and then apply pressure through threats to family members, asset freezes, surveillance, and coercive “persuasion to return” tactics.

Singapore is central to Interpol’s work in Asia, hosting the IGCI and actively using Red Notices. Interpol Red Notice lawyers explain what this means for individuals facing alerts.

Interpol lawyers Ben Keith and Rhys Davies spoke in Buenos Aires on transnational organised crime, Interpol Red Notices, and international criminal law in South America.

This is the final guest blog of Ted R. Bromund in our series on the 2025 Interpol General Assembly in Morocco.

Ben Keith and Rhys Davies addressed the Bar Association of Buenos Aires on Interpol operations, Red Notices, and transnational repression during the seminar Transnational Organised Crime: Challenges and Answers from International Criminal Law on 2 December 2025.

The 2025 Interpol General Assembly in Marrakech concluded with pivotal leadership changes and the adoption of 14 resolutions shaping the organisation’s future. Guest Blog by Ted R. Bromund.

On 26 November 2025, Newsweek has published an op-ed by International Human Rights Advisors founders, Rhys Davies and Ben Keith, on the serious risks surrounding Türkiye’s Mustafa Serkan Sabanca.

Interpol’s focus on South America has never been stronger. Over the past year, the region has seen a dramatic increase in international law enforcement cooperation – reflected in major meetings, new task forces, and a surge in Notices.

Interpol has released the first four resolutions approved at the 2025 General Assembly in Marrakech, Morrocco. Guest blog by Ted R. Bromund.