INTERPOL SILVER NOTICES

INTERPOL Silver Notices constitute an essential instrument in facilitating international police cooperation. These notices are issued in order to identify, trace, and locate criminal assets. Geijo Estevan Abogados, directed by Arantxa Geijo and Francisco Estevan, provides case-specific legal advice and defence in proceedings involving INTERPOL Silver Notices, focusing on safeguarding fundamental rights.

WHAT IS AN INTERPOL SILVER NOTICE?

An INTERPOL Silver Notice is a request made to INTERPOL member countries to identify and trace assets allegedly related to a criminal investigation to enable international police cooperation. These notices may concern assets linked to alleged criminal activities including fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental crimes, in order to monitor and obtain details regarding potentially laundered assets.

The information collected through these notifications is made available to States in order to support their actions within the framework of international cooperation, particularly through bilateral or multilateral mechanisms, such as requests for seizure, confiscation or asset recovery.

Silver Notices can have substantial consequences for concerned individuals, as they may lead to the imposition of significant financial restrictions.

THE SILVER NOTICE: PILOT PHASE

The Silver Notice is INTERPOL’s newest type of notification. It was introduced in January of 2025 as a pilot initiative by INTERPOL. This notice consists of the identification of assets of illicit origins with the aim of preventing offenders from retaining and benefiting from proceeds obtained through criminal activities.

The purpose of Silver Notices during this pilot phase has been restricted to non-coercive measures. Thus, information may be requested and shared in order to facilitate eventual bilateral cooperation amongst the member countries.

IMPACT AND CONSEQUENCES OF A SILVER NOTICE

Having a Silver Notice can result in:

• Investigations in the receiving country.
• Continuous monitoring of certain assets.
• Possible imposition of financial restrictions.
• Reputational harm.

In light of this alert’s novelty, and its potentially grave consequences for affected individuals, the involvement from lawyers with in-depth knowledge of INTERPOL’s procedures and proficient management of international criminal matters is essential.

DEFENCE AND MANAGEMENT OF SILVER NOTICES

Our firm offers comprehensive legal strategies which include:

• Legal analysis of the Silver Notice, including its potential implications.
• Consideration of any potential infringements of fundamental rights.
• Submission to INTERPOL of any relevant request, including those seeking deletion, revision, access to or limitation of the processing of data contained in its files.
• Collaboration with foreign counsel and authorities to form a tactical defence.

The objective is to limit the alert’s negative consequences, safeguarding the client’s administrative, judicial, and international rights.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND COMPLEX LITIGATION

Our firm has acted for numerous clients before various courts and international bodies, thus having obtained a unique expertise in international litigation and challenging INTERPOL notices, preserving clients’ fundamental rights and the legitimate application of international law. Our approach combines:

• Legal representation which is precise and technical.
• Communication with international experts and forensic specialists to ensure coordination.
• Oversight of complex administrative and judicial procedures.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PERSONALISED ATTENTION

All Silver Notice proceedings will require a case-by-case analysis. Our lawyers in Madrid ensure:

• Consistent communication with the client, ensuring they are informed at every stage.
• International strategies adapted to each specific case.
• Case management with discretion, ensuring protection of confidentiality and sensitive information.

CONCLUSION

The recent introduction of INTERPOL Silver Notices gives rise to novel legal and procedural implications. This development calls for legally calibrated responses which are adapted to the specific characteristics of each matter, to ensure effective protection of rights and compliance with international legal standards.

Our firm delivers end-to-end legal support, beginning with early-stage risk management through to the final stages of judicial litigation, ensuring the protection of clients’ fundamental rights and sustained guidance throughout the entire process. You can contact us here.