INTERPOL Launches Silver Notice to Trace And Recover Criminal Assets

The International Criminal Police Organisation or INTERPOL has issued its inaugural “Silver Notice,” which is a significant step to trace assets laundered across international borders and enables law enforcement agencies to cover criminal proceeds.

This initiative aims to target the assets of a senior mafia member, according to press release.

The Silver Notice is the newest addition to INTERPOL’s color-coded Notices and Diffusions system, and it was introduced as part of a trial program that involved 52 nations and territories.

Through cross-border exchange of warnings and information requests, these methods promote international police collaboration.

The Silver Notice allows nations to find, identify, and reclaim illicit property by requesting information on assets connected to an individual’s criminal activity.

Participating nations may seek up to 500 Silver Notices and Diffusions collectively during the trial period, which is scheduled to end in November 2025.

Included countries are Australia, Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Burundi, China, Colombia, Congo, Ecuador, Estonia, France, Gabon, Georgia, Gibraltar (UK), Guinea, Hungary, India, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Malawi, Malta, Moldova, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

INTERPOL has emphasized that, under Article 3 of its Constitution, the General Secretariat will examine each request to make sure that its regulations are followed and to avoid abuse for political ends.

The initiative is announced right a day after a stark warning from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) President Elisa de Anda Madrazo. She highlighted that 80% of countries are ineffective at confiscating criminal assets, with less than 2% of global crime proceeds seized.

Secretary General of INTERPOL “Valdecy Urquiza”, emphasized the importance of punishing criminals of their illegal profits, calling it “one of the most powerful ways to fight organized crime”.  The Silver Notice, he added, can significantly improve global asset recovery efforts.

Silver Notices complement INTERPOL’s existing tools and provide member countries with a strong mechanism to identify & locate laundered assets. This will pave the way for their recovery or seizures under national laws.

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According to the Interpol press release,  this groundbreaking initiative underscores the growing urgency to manage the global challenges of financial corruption & organized crime.