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Interpol Silver Notices: A New Tool for Global Asset Recovery

Exploring the Role of Silver Notices in Combatting Crime

Interpol Silver Notices: A New Tool for Global Asset Recovery

  • 03 Jun, 2025
  • 348

What is an Interpol Silver Notice?

An Interpol Silver Notice is a new type of alert issued by Interpol that facilitates the sharing of information among countries. It allows formal requests concerning assets linked to individuals involved in various criminal activities such as fraud, corruption, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

Introduction of the Silver Notice

The Silver Notice was launched in January 2025 as a pilot initiative. This notice is the latest addition to Interpol’s existing suite of colour-coded notices, aimed at enhancing international cooperation on criminal matters.

Purpose of the Silver Notice

The primary goal of the Silver Notice is to locate, identify, and obtain information regarding criminal assets on a global scale. It enables member countries to access critical data about properties, bank accounts, vehicles, and businesses that are associated with individuals facing serious criminal charges.

Participating Countries

In the initial phase of the Silver Notice project, a total of 51 countries, including India, are participating. This collaboration is vital for improving the effectiveness of international law enforcement.

Who Can Request a Silver Notice?

Law enforcement agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), are authorized to request the issuance of a Silver Notice for individuals under investigation for serious offences.

Eligible Offences Under Silver Notices

Silver Notices can be issued for a range of serious offences. These include financial fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime, and environmental crimes, among others.

Significance of India's First Silver Notices

India issued its inaugural Silver Notices in May 2025 as part of ongoing investigations into financial crimes. These notices are pivotal for tracing and recovering assets that are held internationally by individuals accused of various crimes.

Impact on Investigations

The introduction of Silver Notices enhances cross-border cooperation in identifying and recovering illegal assets. This mechanism significantly strengthens global enforcement efforts against financial and organized crime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main function of an Interpol Silver Notice?
Answer: The main function of an Interpol Silver Notice is to facilitate the identification and recovery of criminal assets by allowing countries to share information and make formal requests related to individuals involved in serious crimes.

Q2. When was the Silver Notice first introduced?
Answer: The Silver Notice was first introduced in January 2025 as a pilot initiative to enhance international cooperation in addressing criminal activities.

Q3. How many countries are involved in the Silver Notice project?
Answer: A total of 51 countries, including India, are involved in the first phase of the Silver Notice project, aimed at improving global law enforcement collaboration.

Q4. Who can issue a Silver Notice?
Answer: Law enforcement agencies, such as the CBI, ED, and NCB, can issue a Silver Notice for individuals being investigated for serious offences like fraud and drug trafficking.

Q5. What types of crimes are covered by Silver Notices?
Answer: Silver Notices cover various serious crimes, including financial fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and environmental crimes, facilitating their investigation across borders.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary goal of an Interpol Silver Notice?
A) To arrest individuals
B) To locate and identify criminal assets
C) To promote tourism
D) To issue travel warnings
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: When was the Silver Notice pilot initiative launched?
A) January 2023
B) January 2024
C) January 2025
D) June 2025
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: Which Indian agency can request a Silver Notice?
A) Income Tax Department
B) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
C) State Police
D) Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: How many countries are participating in the first phase of the Silver Notice?
A) 30
B) 51
C) 75
D) 100
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Which of the following is not an eligible offence under the Silver Notice?
A) Drug Trafficking
B) Environmental Crimes
C) Tax Evasion
D) Financial Fraud
Correct Answer: C

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