Interpol: Functions and Types of Notices

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• Interpol
• What is Interpol? 
• What are the Functions of Interpol?
• What are the different Types of Interpol Notices?
• Commission for Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF)
• What is Commission for Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF)?
• News Summary: CBI seeks restoration of Red Notice against Mehul Choksi

Why in news?

• The Interpol has withdrawn the Red Corner Notice (RCN) issued against the key accused, Mehul Choksi, in the Rs 13,500-crore PNB loan fraud case.
  • Choksi had fled India in January 2018, days before the CBI registered a case against him and his nephew Nirav Modi in the PNB case. 
  • He had by then acquired citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda.
• However, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated measures to get the notice restored.
  • It had taken up with the Commission for Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF) the serious shortcomings and the mistakes committed in reaching the decision to remove the Red Notice against fugitive Mehul Choksi.

Interpol

What is Interpol? 

• Full Name – International Criminal Police Organisation.
  • Interpol is the radio-telegraph code for the organisation.
• Interpol is an international police organisation made up of 194 member countries. 
• It does not work under UN. 
  • It has enjoyed a special role – that of Permanent Observer at the United Nations – since 1996.
• It was founded in 1923 and is headquartered at Lyon, France.

What are the Functions of Interpol?

Image caption: Functions of Interpol

• It is not a police force in the traditional sense—its agents are not able to arrest criminals.
• It is more of an information-sharing network, providing a way for national police forces to co-operate effectively and 
  • tackle international crime ranging from human trafficking and terrorism to money laundering and illegal art dealing.
  • Sharing of information is done by issuing colour-coded notices in four languages – English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.
• The organization operates centralised criminal databases that contain fingerprint records, DNA samples and stolen documents.

What are the different Types of Interpol Notices?

• Interpol issues different types of notices which have different objectives.
  • Types of notices issued – Red, Blue, Yellow, Black, Orange, Purple, Green etc.
• Red Notice – A notification that a member state would like someone arrested. 

Image Caption: Types of Interpol Notices

• States are not obliged to follow these notices, but will often treat them as a warrant for someone’s arrest and extradition.

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Commission for Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF)

What is Commission for Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF)?

• The CCF is an independent body that ensures that all personal data processed through Interpol’s channels conforms to the rules of the Organization.
• It is a separate body within the Interpol that is not under the control of the Interpol Secretariat.
• It is mainly staffed by elected lawyers from different countries, said the agency in a statement.

News Summary: CBI seeks restoration of Red Notice against Mehul Choksi

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated measures to get the Red Notice restored against fugitive Mehul Choksi.
• Following a petition by Choksi to Interpol, the notice was withdrawn by the Interpol recently.
• The cancellation of this notice will weaken India’s efforts to get Choksi back. It could be used by his defence during extradition proceedings pending in Antigua.
  • Now, he can now move freely across the world, barring India. 
  • India can petition the Interpol again or get a fresh notice issued in a separate case.

Q1) What is the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)?

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigative agency of the Government of India. It is responsible for investigating a wide range of crimes, including corruption, economic offenses, special crimes, and cases of national importance. The CBI operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and is headed by a Director who is appointed by the Central Government. 

Q2) What is the Red Corner Notice?

The Red Corner Notice (RCN) is an international arrest warrant issued by Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization. It is a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest an individual who is wanted for extradition or prosecution by a judicial authority or an international tribunal.

Source: CBI seeks restoration of Red Notice against Mehul Choksi: Agency statement | Interpol | The Hindu