Established in 1923, Interpol serves as a vital link between law enforcement agencies from its 196 member countries, facilitating collaboration and information sharing to combat a wide range of criminal activities. From terrorism and human trafficking to cybercrime and drug trafficking, Interpol plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to apprehend criminals and disrupt criminal networks on a global scale.
What is interpol and how does it work
Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, fosters global cooperation among law enforcement agencies in 196 member countries. It focuses on counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and organized/emerging crime. Interpol's databases store fingerprints, face photos, and vital information, aiding in tracking criminals and crime trends worldwide. It issues notices for wanted persons, missing children, and stolen items. While lacking executive powers, Interpol serves as an administrative body, supporting member states with tools and assistance in combating transborder crime, without directly arresting suspects.
history and Evolution
Interpol, founded in 1923, originated from a 1914 congress in Monaco. Initially with 20 member countries, its headquarters moved to Paris after World War II and later to Lyon in 1989. With over 180 member countries by the early 21st century, Interpol facilitates global police cooperation, focusing on arrest procedures, extradition, identification, and centralized criminal records.
Evolving over time, Interpol has become crucial for global peace and security by connecting police forces, sharing intelligence, and coordinating efforts against transnational crime. It issues notices to aid in locating criminals, missing persons, and stolen property. Despite challenges in technology, terrorism, and organized crime, Interpol adapts and innovates to effectively combat emerging threats.
The original goals of interpol when it was founded
The original goals of Interpol, established in 1923, centered around promoting mutual assistance between criminal police authorities of affiliated countries and establishing institutions that could effectively prevent and suppress ordinary crime. Specifically, Interpol aimed to:
1. Facilitate cooperation between police forces across borders, particularly through arrest and extradition procedures, identification techniques, and the concept of centralized criminal record.
2. Establish standardized recordkeeping systems to improve efficiency and accuracy in tracking criminals and crime trends.
3. Share information and best practices among law enforcement agencies to enhance their abilities to solve complex transnational crimes.
Since its inception, Interpol has continued to expand its scope and capabilities, adapting to technological advancements and changing global needs while remaining committed to its foundational objectives.
Interpol - Features
Most of Interpol's operations are centered around its three primary roles, which are outlined in the table below.
Secure global police communication services | Operational data services and databases for police | Operational police support services |
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Structure and Governance
The General Assembly, comprising representatives from each member country, governs Interpol. The assembly elects the President, Vice Presidents, and Executive Committee members every two years at the General Assembly meeting held in Lyon, France. To ensure neutrality, the president must be elected without any national affiliation or political party ties.
Functions and Services
At the core of Interpol's mission are three main services:
Notices: These alerts provide essential information about wanted persons, missing children, stolen vehicles, and other critical data needed to locate criminals and recover lost property.
Databases: Interpol maintains several databases containing crucial information such as fingerprints, DNA profiles, and stolen travel documents.
Operations: Interpol supports various operational initiatives like Project Colossus, which focuses on combating child sexual exploitation online; Operation Infra Red, targeting counterfeiting and piracy; and Operation Trident, addressing cybercrime.
Achievements and Success Stories
Over the past century, Interpol has played a pivotal role in numerous high-profile cases, including:
Capturing notorious fugitive Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011
Assisting in locating and returning over 87,000 abducted children since 1996
Helping to arrest more than 1,000 individuals involved in human trafficking networks
Supporting investigations leading to the recovery of $1 billion worth of stolen artifacts
Notices from Interpol
International requests for assistance or alerts that permit police in member nations to exchange vital crime-related data are known as INTERPOL Notices.
With COVID-19 and Interpol
Member nations of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) have been alerted to the possibility that ransomware attacks by cybercriminals could be directed towards hospitals and other establishments that are actively combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Problem:
Hospitals and medical services are being digitally held captive by cybercriminals employing ransomware, which stops them from accessing important files and systems until a ransom is paid.
Specifics:
Interpol warned 194 countries, including India, that organizations leading the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic had also become targets of ransomware attacks. The assaults were intended to prevent the targets from accessing their vital systems and extract money through coercion.
The agency's Cybercrime Threat Response Team has seen a rise in the quantity of ransomware assault attempts directed on important institutions and virus response infrastructure.
A "Purple Notice" was also issued by Interpol. It is distributed in an effort to find or offer information about the tools, equipment, and techniques of concealment that criminals utilize.
India and Interpol
The National Central Bureau of India is the official name for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The United Nations, International Criminal Tribunals, and the International Criminal Court may also use notices to locate individuals wanted for crimes falling under their purview, including crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes.
A Red Corner Notice (RCN) has been issued by INTERPOL against Nehal, the brother of fugitive diamond dealer Nirav Modi, in relation to the multibillion dollar Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its many accomplishments, Interpol faces ongoing challenges related to technology, terrorism, organized crime, and borderless threats. As new technologies continue to evolve, so too do the methods used by criminals to commit crimes. Therefore, Interpol must adapt and innovate to remain effective in preventing and fighting these emerging threats.
In conclusion
Interpol plays a vital role in ensuring global safety and security through its unique blend of communication channels, databases, and operational capabilities. By fostering cooperation among law enforcement agencies worldwide, Interpol helps protect citizens everywhere from the dangers posed by transnational criminal activity.
Sources:Interpol
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research:Interpol, global police, COVID-19, ransomware, threats,Red Corner Notice, pandemic response, cooperation.
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