Context: 

Recently, Interpol has launched the ‘Silver Notice’ a new color-coded notice as part of a new pilot initiative involving 52 nations and territories to combat international organized crime.

More on the News:

• In 2023, at its 91st General Assembly in Vienna (Austria) Interpol presented the development and launch of the new Silver Notice and Diffusion pilot project through an official resolution. 

• The General Secretariat would thoroughly review each Silver Notice and Diffusion to ensure they comply with the organization's regulations before being released or circulated. 

• This review ensures that the notices are not misused for political reasons, in accordance with Article 3 of Interpol's Constitution. 

• During the pilot phase, the Silver Notices would not be made available on its website and the pilot will continue until November 2025. 

• The participating countries during the pilot project will be able to collectively request up to 500 Silver Notices and Silver Diffusions, with the total divided equally amongst all of them.

What is the Silver Notice?

• The Silver Notice is a new addition to Interpol’s established range of colour-coded notices. 
• The first Silver Notice was issued at Italy’s request to track assets linked to a mafia figure. 
• It aims to support law enforcement in tracing and recovering assets tied to criminal activities such as money laundering, fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental crimes. 

Unlike other notices, the Silver Notice focuses on criminal’s assets, such as:

• Properties
• Vehicles
• Financial accounts
• Businesses

How Does the Silver Notice Work?

• Participating countries can use Silver Notices to seek help in recovering assets linked to criminal activities. 

• Bilateral requests: Countries can directly engage with one another to request help in seizing or confiscating assets.
• Legal compliance: All requests must adhere to the national laws of the receiving country, ensuring that proper legal procedures are followed before any action is taken.

• While Notices are shared with all 196 member countries, Diffusions may be directed to selected relevant countries.

Why is it Significant?

• The Silver Notice strengthens international police cooperation, helping countries work together to track down the illegal profits of criminals. 
• A major concern highlighted by Interpol is that 99% of criminal assets remain unrecovered, targeting criminals' financial gains is one of the most effective methods to dismantle criminal networks.

Other color-coded notices: 

• Interpol’s system of colour-coded notices can be issued at the request of a member country's National Central Bureau (NCB), international criminal tribunals, or the United Nations, in cases like genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity.
• In 2005, Interpol also introduced the UN Security Council Special Notice, which informs authorities about individuals or entities subject to UN sanctions.