Interpol Diffusion — Definition and Basics

Definition

A diffusion is a direct wanted-alert request from one National Central Bureau (NCB) to other NCBs — without going through the official Red Notice channel via the Interpol General Secretariat. It functions as an informal wanted-alert tool.

Difference from the Red Notice

Red Notices are reviewed and approved centrally by the General Secretariat. Diffusions can be sent directly between NCBs without any prior review — with less oversight. They do not appear in the public Interpol database.

Risk of abuse

Diffusions are used by authoritarian states to circumvent the Red Notice review mechanisms. For the persons affected they are harder to identify and to challenge, because they often only become visible at a border check or upon arrest.

Legal remedies

A CCF application can also be filed against diffusions. The CCF has jurisdiction over all Interpol data — including diffusions.

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