Whistleblower Documents Reveal Russia's Misuse of Interpol System to Target Critics Abroad

Moscow. Revelations have emerged indicating that Russia has been misusing the international police organization Interpol's system to target its critics, political opponents, businessmen, and journalists abroad. This was disclosed by thousands of confidential documents provided by an Interpol whistleblower.

Data obtained by the BBC World Service and the French investigative organization "Disclose" shows that Russia has been using Interpol's 'Red Notice' and 'Red Diffusion' to issue requests for arrests based on false criminal charges.

According to the data analysis, Russia has generated the highest number of complaints against it to Interpol's independent complaints unit over the last decade. This figure is three times higher than that of Turkey, which ranks second.

Based on these complaints, Russia's requests have been overturned more often than those of any other country. Interpol claims to have initiated increased monitoring and investigation into Russia's activities following the invasion of Ukraine. However, the leaked documents suggest these measures have not been effective.

According to the whistleblower, some stricter measures were quietly removed in 2025. These latest revelations raise serious questions about the misuse of the international justice system.