Deletion of a Red Notice and SIS Alert

Overview

International wanted alerts — in particular Interpol Red Notices and SIS II alerts — can continue to exist even after the original basis has fallen away: for instance because criminal proceedings have been dropped, an acquittal has been handed down, or an extradition has been refused. Actively requesting deletion is therefore an important step toward restoring freedom of travel.

Deletion of an Interpol Red Notice

The request to delete a Red Notice is filed with the CCF (Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files) in Lyon. The CCF reviews whether the notice complies with the rules of Interpol's Constitution — in particular whether it is being misused for political, military, religious or racial purposes (Article 3 of the Interpol Constitution). The request may be reviewed on the application of the person concerned or on the CCF's own motion. If it succeeds, the notice is deleted from Interpol's database, which informs the NCBs concerned. The procedure usually takes several months.

Deletion of a SIS II alert

SIS II alerts (Schengen Information System) are maintained by the issuing member state. Deletion must be requested from the SIRENE bureau of the issuing state or through the national data-protection authorities. In Germany, the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection (BfDI) has jurisdiction. Where an alert is unjustified, there is a right to rectification or deletion under the GDPR and the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement.

Strategic significance

As long as a Red Notice or SIS alert is active, international travel carries a considerable risk. Deletion or blocking of the alert can be pursued in parallel with the ongoing extradition proceedings or after their conclusion, and is often a precondition for the client being able to travel freely again.

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