Removal of Red Notice by Interpol in the case of service weapons: Ukraine — UAE

Detention in the United Arab Emirates at the request of Interpol is one of the most serious risks for citizens who left Ukraine amid the events of February 2022. In this case, a former police officer ended up in the international wanted list with a “Red Notice” initiated by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. The reason was an accusation of misappropriating service weapons and ammunition in the early days of the armed conflict.

The client’s situation was critical: he was detained in the UAE, faced the threat of extradition, and a complete restriction of freedom of movement. To protect his interests, a detailed petition was submitted to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) in order to prove the illegality of using the organization’s channels in this context.

However, the defense presented the Interpol Commission with a completely different picture of what happened. The key argument was based on the absence of criminal intent. The client did not attempt to sell the weapons, transfer them to third parties, or use them for unlawful purposes. In the context of an emergency situation, lack of stable communication, and a direct threat to life in the region, he left the weapons in a safe place and voluntarily reported it. Subsequently, the arsenal was seized by law enforcement, which confirmed the absence of material damage or selfish motives.

Particular attention in the defense was given to the military context. The events unfolded during the collapse of the usual system of governance and population evacuation. The lawyers proved that the client’s actions were driven by the desire to ensure the safety of their family under force majeure conditions, rather than by an intent to commit theft.

Moreover, the defense pointed out the lack of genuine international interest in this case. Despite the client’s detention in the UAE, the extradition process had effectively reached a deadlock, as the Emirates did not find sufficient grounds for extradition. The case was of a local, internal nature and did not exhibit signs of transnational crime, which made the use of Interpol mechanisms excessive and disproportionate.

Having examined the arguments of the parties, the Interpol Files Control Commission agreed with the defense’s arguments. The regulator acknowledged that the incriminated actions, committed under conditions of armed conflict, do not indicate a high level of public danger necessary to sustain a Red Notice. It was noted that there was no intent for theft or use of weapons for criminal purposes.

The commission concluded that the international search in this case violates the principles of proportionality and neutrality (Articles 35 and 83 of the Interpol Rules). As a result, a decision was made to completely remove the client’s data from all Interpol databases. This led to the immediate termination of the search, the lifting of all restrictions in the UAE, and the restoration of the client’s right to free movement around the world.

This case confirms that Interpol should not be used for prosecution of acts committed under conditions of war and chaos if they do not pose a real criminal threat to the international community. If you are faced with such a problem—detention in the UAE, EU countries, or other jurisdictions at the request of Ukraine in connection with “military” cases, loss of weapons, or abandonment of service—it is important to act immediately.

Timely contact with experienced lawyers specializing in working with the Interpol Commission allows you to challenge a Red Notice, prove the lack of grounds for the search, and regain your freedom of movement. Do not let formal accusations ruin your life abroad.