Using INTERPOL in International Scam Cases
Introduction
International scam investigations often involve countries outside Australia. When that happens, investigators are left trying to work out what options actually exist, and which ones are realistic.
This article explains how INTERPOL is commonly used in international scam cases, what it is designed to do, what its limits are, and how it fits alongside other processes such as mutual legal assistance. The aim is to provide practical context so investigators understand where INTERPOL can assist and how it is typically used in real investigations.
Why INTERPOL comes up in scam investigations
In many scam and crypto fraud matters, the funds, infrastructure, or suspects are located overseas.
At that point, investigators often hear:
“It’s offshore, there’s nothing we can do”
“That’s international”
“Just close it”
That is not always accurate.
While you cannot control what another country does, you can take reasonable international investigative steps. INTERPOL is one of the mechanisms that allows this.
What INTERPOL is, in practical terms
INTERPOL is a police-to-police cooperation framework that allows law enforcement agencies in INTERPOL member countries to share information and assist each other.
INTERPOL can support:
Intelligence sharing
Requests for information
Alerts to other jurisdictions
Coordination between police agencies
INTERPOL does not:
Investigate cases on your behalf
Arrest suspects
Compel foreign agencies to act
Automatically produce court-ready evidence
Those functions always remain with national authorities.
Official overview:
https://www.interpol.int/
INTERPOL member countries (this matters)
INTERPOL cooperation only applies between INTERPOL member countries.
Before considering an INTERPOL referral, it is worth confirming whether the country involved is a member.
You can check the full list of INTERPOL member countries here:
https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries
If a country is not a member, INTERPOL channels will not be available for that matter.
INTERPOL vs MLAT – the distinction investigators need to understand
This is the most important part of this topic.
INTERPOL is commonly used for intelligence and investigative assistance
In practice, INTERPOL is typically used for:
Police-to-police information sharing
Intelligence leads
Requests for information
Alerting other jurisdictions to investigations, suspects, or activity
Information obtained through INTERPOL channels is generally treated as investigative lead material. It helps you understand what exists, where it may be located, and what further steps may be appropriate.
It is not automatically admissible evidence for court.
MLAT is generally required for court use
If you need overseas material that will be:
Relied on to charge
Tendered in Australian court proceedings
Formally produced as evidence
Then it will often need to be obtained through mutual legal assistance (MLAT) pathways. This depends on the country, the type of evidence, and legal advice.
The MLAT process exists to ensure:
Lawful evidence collection
Proper authority and compulsion where required
A clear chain of custody
Someone who can formally produce the evidence in court
MLAT requests are slower, often taking 12 months or more, but they are what courts rely on.
In simple terms:
INTERPOL helps you gather intelligence and progress an investigation.
MLAT is how you later obtain material in a form suitable for court.
How INTERPOL is commonly used in scam cases
Based on my experience, INTERPOL is commonly used to:
Send investigation referrals to other countries
Request information about suspects or accounts
Share scam methodologies and infrastructure details
Alert jurisdictions to wallet addresses or transaction activity
Support further investigative decision-making
This is particularly useful in crypto and investment scams where:
Funds move quickly
Multiple countries are involved
Victims expect reasonable international action
Notices and diffusions (high-level only)
Without getting into operational detail, INTERPOL information can be circulated through:
Notices
Formal alerts used for specific purposes, including requests for information (for example, Blue Notices).
Diffusions
A separate INTERPOL channel used to circulate information or requests, sometimes to selected countries.
Both mechanisms are subject to INTERPOL rules and compliance requirements.
They are tools for information sharing, not enforcement.
Official explanation:
https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/About-Notices
How this usually works for Australian investigators
From an investigator’s perspective, the process generally looks like this:
You identify international elements in the case
You consult supervisors or specialist units (if unsure)
You engage your cybercrime unit or international liaison (if unsure)
You complete the required referral or request documentation
The material is submitted through established channels
In Australia, this runs through existing agency processes and liaison points, including the AFP’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau.
You are not operating independently or outside your agency’s framework.
Most agencies already have:
Templates
Forms
Internal guidance
Established contacts
If you are unsure where to start, your cybercrime unit or intelligence section is usually the right place.
What you should record on the file
Where INTERPOL is used, it is good practice to document:
Why INTERPOL was appropriate
What information was submitted
Dates of submission
Any reference numbers received
Any responses or lack of response
This demonstrates reasonable investigative effort and appropriate escalation for an international matter.
Managing expectations
It is important to be clear with yourself and victims:
INTERPOL does not guarantee outcomes
Another country may take no action
Asset recovery is never assured
However, taking reasonable international steps is not the same as doing nothing.
For many victims, knowing that:
International referrals were made
Proper processes were followed
The matter was taken seriously
is important, even where outcomes are limited.
Useful official resources
INTERPOL home page
https://www.interpol.int/INTERPOL Notices explained
https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/About-NoticesINTERPOL member countries
https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countriesINTERPOL legal framework
https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Legal-framework/Legal-documents
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information and educational purposes only.
It reflects practical experience and understanding of common investigative processes at the time of writing. It is not legal advice, formal policy, or a substitute for agency procedures, legal guidance, or supervisory direction.
Processes, requirements, and authorities may vary by jurisdiction and over time. Always confirm current procedures with your organisation, legal advisors, or specialist units before acting on any information contained in this article.
