Journalists found that Russia consistently uses the red notice, which calls on services around the world to cooperate in order to arrest and extradite wanted people. Moscow also uses a less formal path, i.e. red diffusion. It assumes international cooperation with selected countries.
What actions does Russia take against political opponents?
What is an Interpol Red Notice?
What complaints concern abuse of Interpol's systems?
Who is an example of a victim of political repression in Russia?
The results of the investigation show that it was Russia that received the most complaints regarding abuse of Interpol's systems. Russia ranks first in terms of rejected applications. The remedy for abuses will be special procedures introduced by Interpol after the attack by Putin's troops on Ukraine in 2022.
Russia uses Interpol. She found a way to defeat political opponents
How does Moscow work in practice? She sent red notes, for example, to judges of the International Criminal Court shortly after issuing the arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin in March 2023.
In addition, the BBC shows the example of a businessman from the metallurgical industry. Igor Pestrikov, in an interview with a British broadcaster, stated that he was included on the list because he did not succumb to pressure for his company to support the Russian war machine. He fled to France, where he encountered real problems. Seeing an Interpol red notice makes it difficult to rent an apartment or manage property.
The businessman turned to Interpol with a complaint. He argued that he had become a victim of political repression. His request was granted.
