Interpol, known for issuing color-coded notices to its member countries, has introduced a new tool in its arsenal: the Silver Notice. For the first time, the organization has issued this notice to track illicit cross-border assets.
This pilot project involves 54 member countries, including India, Interpol announced on Friday. The notice was issued at Italy’s request to trace the assets of a senior mafia gang member. However, the identity of the individual will only be shared with member nations. The notice will remain valid until November this year.
The Silver Notice aims to identify assets linked to crimes such as corruption, drug trafficking, environmental offenses, and other serious charges. Interpol stated that the notices can be sent to all 196 member countries or selected nations, depending on the case. By seizing illegal assets, criminal networks can be dismantled more effectively.
Currently, at least 10 Indian offenders are believed to reside abroad. While there is no exact data on the illicit funds they have moved internationally, officials see this development as an opportunity to bring back black money from financial fugitives like Mehul Choksi using the Silver Notice.
Types of Interpol Notices:
Interpol operates from Lyon, France, and issues eight types of notices:
- Red Notice: To locate or detain fugitives upon a member country's request.
- Yellow Notice: To trace missing persons, particularly minors.
- Blue Notice: To collect information about a person or location related to a crime.
- Green Notice: To warn about individuals posing a threat to public safety.
- Black Notice: For identifying unidentified bodies.
- Orange Notice: To warn about threats related to individuals, events, objects, or processes.
- Purple Notice: To provide information on criminal methods, including weapons and tactics.
- UN Sanctions Notice: To communicate UN-imposed sanctions on individuals or entities.
The new Silver Notice expands Interpol’s capabilities in combating organized crime by targeting illicit assets and wealth globally.
