INTERPOL Special Notices are a unique category of alerts issued in cooperation with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), primarily to support international sanctions enforcement and counter-terrorism operations. Unlike Red Notices or Blue Notices, Special Notices are not based on criminal charges alone but serve to disseminate information about individuals and entities designated by the UN.
In 2025, with increasing international focus on security threats like terrorism financing, weapons trafficking, and UN-imposed sanctions violations, INTERPOL Special Notices have taken center stage in global law enforcement coordination.
Understanding what a Special Notice entails, how it’s issued, and what legal remedies exist is crucial—especially if you’re subject to one or involved in international compliance. This guide explains everything.
What Makes INTERPOL Special Notices “Special”?
Special Notices are distinct from other INTERPOL notices in several key ways:
- Issued in collaboration with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
- Used to enforce UN sanctions regimes against terrorist organizations (e.g., Al-Qaeda, ISIS), weapons dealers, or sanctioned states.
- May include both individuals and corporate entities.
- Do not require an arrest warrant like Red Notices.
- ocus is preventative and administrative, rather than strictly criminal.
They are essentially a hybrid of law enforcement cooperation and international diplomatic measures.
Legal Framework Behind Special Notices
1. United Nations Security Council Resolutions
INTERPOL Special Notices derive authority from specific UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs), which impose binding obligations on all 196 INTERPOL member states. For instance:
- UNSCR 1267 (1999) – Created sanctions against the Taliban.
- UNSCR 1373 (2001) – Post-9/11 counter-terrorism measures.
- UNSCR 1989 & 2253 – Designated entities linked to ISIS and Al-Qaeda.
Once a person or entity is designated under a resolution, INTERPOL issues a Special Notice to circulate that designation globally through police channels.
2. INTERPOL-UN Agreement
A 2003 agreement between INTERPOL and the United Nations created a formal mechanism to publish Special Notices to bridge law enforcement and sanctions enforcement.
What Does INTERPOL Special Notices Include?
A typical INTERPOL Special Notice contains:
- Full name and aliases of the individual/entity.
- Date and place of birth.
- Nationality.
- Photograph, passport numbers, or identifying documents.
- Summary of designation and related UN resolution.
- Sanctions imposed (e.g., asset freezes, travel bans, arms embargo).
- Legal references to the UNSC designation.
This information is distributed through INTERPOL’s secure global police communications system (I-24/7), making it instantly accessible to all member states.
Who Can Be Subject to INTERPOL Special Notices?
Special Notices apply to:
- Individuals designated by the UN as terrorists or sanction violators.
- Corporate entities, including banks, logistics companies, and weapons dealers.
- Organizations associated with state actors under UN embargo.
Common examples include:
- ISIS or Al-Qaeda members.
- Arms dealers under embargo.
- Shipping companies violating North Korea sanctions.
- Financiers or fundraisers of terrorist networks.
INTERPOL Special Notices vs. Other INTERPOL Notices
| Notice Type | Purpose | Based On | Target | Requires Warrant? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Notice | Seek arrest/extradition | National warrant | Individuals | Yes |
| Blue Notice | Locate, identify, or obtain info | Police request | Individuals | No |
| Green Notice | Warn of criminal activities | Police warning | Individuals | No |
| Special Notice | Enforce UN sanctions & alert globally | UN designation | Individuals & Entities | No |
The Special Notice is the only notice issued jointly with the UN, making it a powerful tool for multilateral enforcement.
Consequences of Being Subject to INTERPOL Special Notices
Being the target of a Special Notice can have serious global implications, even if you have not committed a traditional crime.
1. Travel Restrictions
Member states are required to enforce UN travel bans. This means:
- Denial of visa or entry at borders.
- Revocation of existing visas or residence permits.
2. Asset Freezing
Governments and financial institutions will:
- Freeze your bank accounts.
- Block real estate or corporate transactions.
- Deny access to financial services.
3. Arms Embargo
Targets may be banned from:
- Purchasing weapons.
- Exporting military technology.
- Operating logistics for military goods.
4. Reputational Damage
Even without a conviction, a Special Notice can:
- Lead to corporate blacklisting.
- Sever ties with international partners.
- Prevent participation in global markets or conferences.
Legal Remedies: Can You Challenge INTERPOL Special Notices?
Step 1: Challenge the UN Designation
INTERPOL merely disseminates the UN designation—it does not create or judge the list. To challenge the underlying basis:
a. Petition the UN Ombudsperson
If designated under the 1267 sanctions regime (Al-Qaeda/ISIS), individuals can submit a de-listing request to:
- UN Ombudsperson Office
- Provide evidence that you’re no longer associated with the group.
- Full legal representation is allowed.
b. UN Focal Point for Other Regimes
For other types of sanctions (e.g., arms embargoes), use the UN Focal Point mechanism.
Step 2: File a Complaint with the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF)
Even though INTERPOL cannot delete UN-based Notices, if:
- The notice contains inaccurate or outdated data, or
- The dissemination violates INTERPOL’s neutrality or data protection rules,
you may submit a request to the CCF to correct or limit distribution.
🔗 Learn more: How to Contact the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files – Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
INTERPOL’s Role in Sanctions Enforcement
INTERPOL is not a court and does not judge guilt. Its role in Special Notices is:
- Disseminating UN sanctions data.
- Supporting national enforcement agencies.
- Monitoring cross-border compliance with embargoes, freezes, and travel bans.
- Preventing sanctions evasion through global police channels.
INTERPOL Special Notices and Human Rights Concerns
Because Special Notices are tied to UN designations and not judicial decisions, critics have raised the following human rights concerns:
- No prior judicial review.
- Limited transparency in designation criteria.
- Disproportionate impact on individuals or small companies with tenuous links to sanctioned parties.
This has led to legal reforms such as:
- Ombudsperson review for 1267 designations.
- Data correction rights under INTERPOL’s CCF.
Nonetheless, the legal and reputational damage of a Special Notice can be immense and long-lasting.
Key Takeaways for Individuals and Businesses
| Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Monitor UN Sanctions Lists | Prevent unexpected designations |
| Conduct due diligence | Avoid doing business with sanctioned entities |
| Seek legal counsel | If subject to a Special Notice or UN sanctions |
| Petition Ombudsperson or Focal Point | Start the de-listing process if wrongly listed |
| Contact CCF | Correct inaccuracies in INTERPOL dissemination |
Final Thoughts
INTERPOL Special Notices are a powerful example of how international police cooperation intersects with global diplomacy and counter-terrorism. Unlike Red Notices or criminal alerts, Special Notices serve strategic purposes—enforcing global sanctions, restricting terrorist movement, and disrupting international threats.
If you’re affected by or want to challenge a Special Notice, it’s critical to understand both INTERPOL’s role and the UN sanctions process. While legal remedies are limited, they do exist—and with the right counsel, reputational damage can be mitigated.