Introduction

Interpol arrest warrants are essential for international cooperation in combating transnational crimes. These warrants facilitate the rapid exchange of information and coordination of actions, creating a framework for the apprehension of criminals on a global scale. In Dubai, the issuance of international arrest warrants is influenced by criminal laws, criminal procedure regulations, civil procedure laws of the United Arab Emirates, and Interpol’s law in Dubai. These laws outline the procedures for issuing and enforcing arrest warrants.

What is an Interpol Arrest Warrant?

The term “Interpol arrest warrant” is commonly used but technically incorrect. In fact, this term usually refers to the “Interpol Red Notice.” However, Interpol does not have the authority to issue international arrest warrants.

What is an Interpol Red Notice?

An Interpol Red Notice is an international alert issued by Interpol to locate and arrest individuals whom a member country seeks for prosecution or enforcement of a sentence. It is not an arrest warrant but functions as a request to judicial and law enforcement authorities worldwide to identify and temporarily detain the individual pending extradition or other legal actions.

Is an Interpol Red Notice an International Arrest Warrant in the UAE?

An Interpol Red Notice in the United Arab Emirates is a global request to locate the whereabouts of the wanted individual and temporarily detain them. The notice is issued by Interpol based on a request from a member country and a valid arrest warrant. Therefore, a Red Notice is not itself an international arrest warrant. Determining whether you are affected by a Red Notice is not a straightforward task. You would need to consult with an Interpol lawyer in the UAE to investigate if a Red Notice has been issued against you, which might not be publicly available. This means individuals might become aware of it unexpectedly, such as when they are detained at the airport. The issuance of a Red Notice can have significant consequences for the individual involved, severely limiting their freedom. There is a risk that Interpol may not recognize the intentional distortion of facts by the requesting country, and the individual may face charges that lead to the issuance of a Red Notice. This issue is particularly prevalent in the UAE, where Red Notices are often issued based on credit-related debts.

If you are concerned that a Red Notice may have been issued against you in the UAE, please do not hesitate to contact Khalil Asayesh, an Iranian Interpol lawyer in the UAE and Dubai. He will quickly request information from Interpol and guide you through the subsequent legal steps.

Interpol Red Notices Cannot Be Easily Revoked

Interpol Red Notices cannot be easily revoked. In dealing with them, it is crucial to seek professional legal support. For personalized legal defense services, please contact Khalil Asayesh, an extradition lawyer.

Steps for Issuing an Interpol Red Notice in the United Arab Emirates

The process of issuing an Interpol Red Notice in the UAE and Dubai involves several stages. Initially, UAE authorities begin the process by identifying an individual wanted for prosecution, sentencing, or other legal purposes. Only individuals suspected of committing serious crimes or those who have been convicted and are being pursued for sentence enforcement may be subject to a Red Notice. Red Notices are not issued for political purposes. Therefore, it is essential to consult with an Interpol lawyer in the UAE after receiving a Red Notice.

Once the individual is identified, UAE authorities send an official request to the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Interpol in the UAE. This request includes information about the wanted individual, the alleged crime, and available evidence. The NCB acts as a liaison between the UAE and Interpol. The information and documentation provided by the UAE at this stage are crucial for legal defense, as inaccurate or incomplete information could result in further legal action.

Interpol reviews the UAE’s request to ensure that it meets the criteria for issuing a Red Notice. The request is examined in accordance with the statutes, rules, and applicable regulations. Interpol does not conduct a thorough review of the legal or factual matters of the case. Therefore, consulting with a lawyer specialized in Interpol matters in the UAE, who is familiar with Interpol’s statutes and regulations, is crucial, as they will be able to assess whether Interpol has acted appropriately.

If Interpol deems the request valid, a Red Notice is issued. This notice includes details of the wanted individual, their identity, physical description, alleged crimes, and other relevant information. Interpol’s communication network sends the notice to judicial and law enforcement authorities around the world. Once the Red Notice is issued, it becomes available to judicial authorities in member countries. These authorities can review the information and take appropriate action if the wanted individual is located within their jurisdiction.

Red Notices Due to Credit Debts in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has frequently used Red Notices for collecting credit debts from banks. However, the country has employed abusive strategies in this regard. In principle, Red Notices should only be issued for serious crimes. For instance, if an individual owes money to a financial institution, this is not considered a crime, and the institution can only recover the debt through civil law. Therefore, if you have received a Red Notice in the UAE or Dubai due to credit debts, it is important to contact an Interpol lawyer to investigate the matter.

Khalil Asayesh, an Iranian Interpol lawyer in the UAE with expertise in Interpol laws and substantial experience in Interpol cases in the UAE, can provide you with consultation and assistance. However, if the details of the case change and the individual is accused of fraud, the matter would then be considered a crime, and in that case, a Red Notice would be issued based on this criminal charge.

How Do International Arrest Warrants Work in the United Arab Emirates?

Unlike national law enforcement agencies, Interpol does not have a police force and cannot directly arrest suspects. Interpol acts as a facilitator, enabling the exchange of information and assisting countries in the arrest of wanted individuals. The legal process for issuing an Interpol Red Notice in the United Arab Emirates begins when a request for the Red Notice is submitted. This request must include evidence of the crime, the suspect’s identity, potential locations, and legal grounds for the arrest.

Once the request is submitted, it is reviewed to ensure that it complies with the standards and laws of Interpol in Dubai. After a thorough review, Interpol issues the Red Notice on its secure I-24/7 network, making it accessible to all member countries. The Red Notice includes details about the individual and an explanation of the crime they are being pursued for. This allows member countries to arrest the individual if they are found within their jurisdiction.

In the United Arab Emirates, arrest warrants can be issued for a range of offenses, from minor violations to serious crimes. The legal system in the UAE operates based on Sharia law for personal status matters and federal law for criminal cases, ensuring that both Islamic principles and global standards of justice are observed during the legal proceedings. Once an arrest warrant is issued, UAE law enforcement authorities are authorized to arrest the suspect at various locations, including private residences, workplaces, or public places.

Legal Framework for International Arrest Warrants in the UAE

The process for issuing international arrest warrants in Dubai is governed by Interpol’s law in Dubai, international laws, and the national laws of the United Arab Emirates. Interpol’s activities are guided by its rules and regulations, which regulate interactions between member countries. The UAE is committed to international agreements and treaties related to the search and extradition of individuals. The country has signed various agreements with countries such as the United Kingdom and European Union countries, including Germany, to facilitate the coordination of arrest and extradition procedures for individuals wanted under Interpol’s orders.

In the UAE, federal law regarding international cooperation in criminal matters regulates the enforcement of Interpol arrest warrants. Within the country, the coordination of these processes is managed by the UAE Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Interpol in Abu Dhabi. This office is responsible for verifying and executing Red Notices and also provides the necessary legal and administrative support for extradition requests.

Your Rights if an Arrest Warrant is Issued Against You in the United Arab Emirates

If an arrest warrant has been issued against you in the United Arab Emirates, it is important to be aware of your rights and understand how to handle the situation. The UAE legal system provides some protective measures to assist you.

Right to Information 

You have the right to be informed of the reasons for your arrest, the charges against you, and the evidence in the case. This information is crucial for assessing your situation and preparing an effective defense.

Right to Legal Counsel

Every detained individual has the right to legal representation to ensure that the arrest is lawful and to protect their interests at all stages of the investigation. An experienced lawyer can help prevent unlawful actions by law enforcement authorities.

Right to Remain Silent

You are not obligated to answer any questions from the police or investigators without the presence of a lawyer. Exercising this right can prevent any misinterpretation or use of your statements against you.

Being aware of your rights is an important step in protecting yourself if you are arrested. If you are facing such a situation, it is highly advisable to seek legal assistance from an Interpol lawyer in the UAE as soon as possible.

Consequences of an Interpol Arrest Warrant in the UAE

An Interpol arrest warrant can have serious consequences for individuals who are subject to international pursuit. The warrant acts as a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and temporarily detain an individual until the extradition process is completed. Being under a Red Notice in the UAE can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including travel, financial stability, and personal reputation. Key consequences of a Red Notice in the UAE and Dubai include:

– Travel Issues: An Interpol arrest warrant may lead to travel bans. If a Red Notice has been issued against you, you may be arrested in any country where your details match the information in the notice. This can make international travel difficult or even impossible.

– Extradition: In some cases, you may be extradited to the country that requested the Red Notice, which can result in lengthy legal proceedings and even imprisonment.

– Visa Issues: A Red Notice may lead to the rejection of visa applications or a ban on entry to other countries. This can make pursuing work or study opportunities abroad challenging.

– Financial Problems: UAE banks may limit access to your accounts or require additional checks, which could create difficulties in conducting financial transactions.

– Damage to Reputation: Having a Red Notice issued against you can result in a loss of trust from others and have a negative impact on your career and personal relationships in the UAE.

It is important to understand these consequences and take steps to mitigate any potential harm. To avoid the potential repercussions of an international arrest warrant in Dubai, please consult Khalil Asayesh, an Interpol lawyer in the UAE.

Challenging an Interpol Red Notice in the UAE

Interpol Red Notices in the UAE can be challenged, appealed, and removed with the help of a specialized Interpol lawyer in the UAE. The exact process for challenging a Red Notice depends on the specifics of the case.

Firstly, Interpol member countries often have internal procedures for appealing that allow individuals to challenge the Red Notice in their own national legal system. This process may involve providing evidence or arguments against the validity or appropriateness of the notice. An Interpol lawyer in the UAE will evaluate the legal basis of the notice, reject the charges, and present arguments against its execution, including demonstrating that extradition may violate the individual’s human rights.

The Interpol lawyer in the UAE can also contact the National Central Bureau (NCB) to request more information regarding the basis of the notice and highlight any deficiencies or inaccuracies in the information. Such deficiencies may be used as a cover for political or other questionable motivations behind the extradition request, and should not be part of Interpol Red Notices in the UAE. These cases may be recognized as abuse of the system. It is crucial that your request for information meets the specified requirements in order to achieve the desired outcome. Khalil Asayesh, an Interpol lawyer in the UAE, has experience in submitting such requests.

The requesting authorities for the Interpol Red Notice must provide identifying information about the individual in question. Judicial data, such as a summary of the facts of the case, charges, applicable laws, penalties or issued sentences, and references to a valid arrest warrant or judicial decision permitting the issuance of the Red Notice, must also be included. Discrepancies and lack of clarity in the data often provide significant grounds for challenging the order. The failure to provide at least the minimum required data by Interpol is generally a practical method for requesting the removal of the Red Notice. While Interpol does not adjudicate cases, it must prove that the alleged crime qualifies for the issuance of a Red Notice.

Khalil Asayesh, an Interpol lawyer in the UAE, with his extensive knowledge of Interpol Red Notices and Interpol law in the UAE, can help you remove the notice.

Request for Removal of an Interpol Red Notice in the UAE

The individual subject to the Red Notice can appeal the notice in the UAE. To do this, they must submit a request to Interpol to remove the Red Notice. The request should be sent to the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF) in Dubai, where it will be reviewed to determine whether the notice violates UAE’s domestic laws.

According to Article 3 of the Interpol Constitution, Red Notices should not be issued for political, religious, or racial reasons. If a violation is identified, the Red Notice may not be removed from the database. The decision depends on the member country’s stance, and in some countries, such as those with corrupt practices, this may be problematic.

Since May 25, 2018, Interpol has been subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Under Article 17(1) of the GDPR, requests for the immediate removal of incorrect entries may be made. If it is proven that an entry was incorrectly made or involved abuse and Interpol processed personal data without consent, this constitutes a violation of the GDPR. Such violations can lead to fines of up to 20 million euros.

Khalil Asayesh, an Interpol lawyer in the UAE, has extensive expertise in Interpol procedures and can assist you in the removal of the Interpol Red Notice. If the removal of the Red Notice is not confirmed, the Interpol lawyer in the UAE will contact local authorities to ensure that all necessary information for the removal is collected.

FAQ

What is an arrest warrant in the United Arab Emirates?

An arrest warrant in the United Arab Emirates is an official order issued by judicial authorities for the detention of a suspect. This warrant may be domestic, issued under national laws, or international, issued upon request by INTERPOL. The execution of this warrant must adhere to legal procedures precisely. If an international arrest warrant is issued and the suspect is found in the UAE, they may be extradited to the requesting country. The arrest warrant in the UAE plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order and in facilitating international cooperation in law enforcement.

How long is the validity of an INTERPOL arrest warrant in the UAE?

An INTERPOL arrest warrant in the UAE remains active until the individual is apprehended or the request is cancelled. INTERPOL may continue searching for the suspect until one of the conditions, such as extradition or the termination of legal proceedings, is fulfilled.

Can an INTERPOL arrest warrant be cancelled or suspended?

Yes, in some cases, if circumstances change or new evidence arises, the warrant may be cancelled or suspended.

What legal provisions govern the arrest procedures in the UAE?

Arrest procedures in the UAE are governed by several legal sources, the most significant of which is the UAE Penal Code. These laws set forth the rules regarding the detention and arrest of individuals accused of criminal offenses.

How are INTERPOL requests processed in the UAE? 

INTERPOL requests in the UAE are handled under federal laws related to extradition and cooperation with international law enforcement bodies.

What is the maximum duration of detention without interrogation in the UAE?

Under the law, an individual can be detained for a maximum of 48 hours without interrogation. After this period, if further investigation is needed, the police must seek permission from the public prosecutor to extend the detention.

How does the duration of detention change for more serious crimes in the UAE?

For more serious crimes, detention may be extended for up to 14 days. After this period, a court decision is required to continue the detention.