For years, the International Criminal Police Organization has helped fight crime across national borders. Among other things, the organization called Interpol works to support cooperation among law enforcement agencies. And it has helped catch thousands of criminals. But Interpol is increasingly being used by some governments to pressure and persecute political enemies who live in exile. That is the opinion of United States officials, lawmakers and immigration lawyers. The persecution begins with a warning, known as a Red Notice. Interpol sends the notice to member countries that a person is wanted for arrest. Any member can request a Red Notice as long as it stays within Interpol rules. The France-based agency does not investigate the charges. Last year, Interpol gave out more than 13,000 Red Notices. Many of them are believed to be little more than persecution.
