Interpol Silver Notice
The Silver Notice is INTERPOL’s new tool for tracing criminal assets, currently in a pilot phase. It seeks information about assets — such as properties, vehicles, financial accounts and businesses — linked to a person under criminal investigation. We advise individuals and companies whose assets may be the subject of a Silver Notice and help them exercise their rights before the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF).
What is Interpol Silver Notice?
INTERPOL describes the Silver Notice as a tool “to identify and trace criminal assets”. Its pilot was approved by INTERPOL’s General Assembly in 2023, and the first Silver Notice was published in January 2025 at Italy’s request, seeking information on the assets of a senior member of the mafia. At launch the pilot involved 52 countries and territories; in 2026 INTERPOL reported more than 80 participating countries.
During the pilot, a Silver Notice can be used to locate and identify assets, obtain information about them and monitor them. Its purpose is limited to non-coercive measures — mainly requesting and sharing information. A Silver Notice does not itself freeze or seize anything: countries may use the information as a basis for bilateral requests for seizure, confiscation or recovery of assets, subject to their national laws. Whether the Silver Notice becomes a permanent tool is due to be decided by INTERPOL’s General Assembly in Hong Kong (30 November – 3 December 2026).
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Our dedicated international human rights lawyers uncover procedural violations and challenge abusive cross-border alerts. We build proactive defense strategies to safe-keep your personal data and protect your global freedom.
What is the Main Objective of a Silver Notice?
Its main objective is to help member countries trace and recover criminal assets across borders by locating and identifying properties, vehicles, financial accounts and businesses.
Who is Permitted to Issue a Silver Notice?
Silver Notices are published by INTERPOL’s General Secretariat at the request of a member country’s National Central Bureau (NCB). Under the legal framework for the pilot, the person concerned must be subject to a criminal investigation, and the offence must be punishable by a maximum of at least four years’ deprivation of liberty; no minimum amount of assets is required. During the pilot, extracts of Silver Notices are not published on INTERPOL’s public website.
Is it Possible for a Silver Notice to Be Misused?
While the Notice mechanism is incredibly beneficial, there is always the potential for misuse. Just like any powerful tool, it can be exploited if not handled correctly. Here are a few scenarios where things could go awry:
- Inaccurate Information: If incorrect or misleading information about the person who is to store illicit funds makes its way into a Silver Notice, it could lead to wrongful identification or even unjust actions by law enforcement. This can be frightening for innocent individuals who suddenly find themselves ensnared in an investigation about criminal assets with which they have nothing to do with.
- Political Manipulation: In some countries, a Notice might be misused for political reasons—targeting the particular person’s identity it may be a dissident or activist, for example. This certainly raises alarms about the threat to human rights and whether justice is truly being served.
- Lack of Consistency: Different countries have varying legal frameworks and procedures surrounding Silver Notices, which can lead to inconsistencies in how they are issued and acted upon.
Because of these risks, it’s vital for Interpol to approach those international requests with integrity. The unintended consequences of misuse could have serious implications for individuals and the broader legal landscape.
INTERPOL’s CCF rules apply to Silver Notices in the same way as to all other notices and diffusions, so a person or company concerned can ask the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) for access to the data and for its correction or deletion.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You
Dealing with an Interpol Silver Notice can be daunting, especially when considering the intricacies involved. That’s where our firm comes in. We specialize in navigating the complex world of international law enforcement, and we’re here to support you. During our cooperation you will receive:
- Legal Consultation: If you’re concerned about the implications of a Silver Notice, our team is here to provide expert advice. We’ll help clarify your rights and guide you through the legal waters.
- Representation and Advocacy: Should you find yourself needing representation in a court or with regard to other authorities, we’re ready to stand by your side. Our experienced attorneys will advocate for you, ensuring that your interests are prioritized during the process.
- CCF requests: we prepare requests to the CCF for access to, correction or deletion of data and set out why a notice does not comply with INTERPOL’s rules.
If you’re facing challenges related to such notices, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team. We’re here to help you navigate this complex territory with clarity and support.