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Interpol system allegedly exploited by Russia to pursue opponents abroad
Thousands of confidential documents obtained by the BBC and French investigative outlet Disclose reveal how Russia has reportedly used Interpol's international policing network to target political opponents, journalists, and business figures outside its borders. The files suggest Moscow has systematically issued arrest requests through Interpol's red notices and diffusions, often on disputed or politically motivated grounds.
Scale of complaints unprecedented
The leaked data shows Russia has faced more complaints to Interpol's internal watchdog-the Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files (CCF)-than any other country over the past decade. The number of grievances lodged against Moscow is three times higher than those against Turkey, the second-most complained-about nation. Additionally, the CCF has overturned more Russian requests for arrests than those from any other country, raising concerns about the legitimacy of Moscow's submissions.
Interpol introduced heightened scrutiny of Russian requests following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, aiming to prevent misuse of its systems to target individuals linked to the conflict. However, the leaked documents indicate these measures failed to curb abuse, and a whistleblower claims some restrictions were quietly relaxed in 2025.
Interpol defends its systems amid criticism
In response to the findings, Interpol stated that its operations lead to the arrest of thousands of serious criminals annually and that it has strengthened safeguards against misuse in recent years. The agency acknowledged the potential impact of arrest requests on individuals but emphasized its commitment to neutrality, citing its constitution, which prohibits the use of its systems for political, military, religious, or racial purposes.
"When you're hit with a red notice, your life changes completely."
Igor Pestrikov, Russian businessman
Personal toll of Interpol abuse
Igor Pestrikov, a Russian businessman and former shareholder in major metals companies, described the ordeal of being targeted by a red diffusion after fleeing Russia in June 2022. Fearing arrest, he initially considered hiding but soon found his bank accounts frozen and his ability to rent property blocked. "It's constant nerves, all the time," he said, adding that the stress led his family to relocate for safety.
Pestrikov believes his refusal to comply with government demands to redirect his exports to the Russian market-potentially for military use-and his Ukrainian heritage made him a target. After challenging the red diffusion through the CCF, Interpol ruled in his favor, citing Russia's request as politically motivated and lacking sufficient evidence. The CCF described Moscow's submission as "generic and formulaic."
Informal channels used to bypass formal checks
The leaked files also expose how Russia has used Interpol's messaging system to circumvent formal arrest requests. Messages obtained by the BBC show Moscow reaching out to law enforcement in countries like the UAE and Armenia to gather intelligence on critics, despite Interpol's guidelines prohibiting such use of its channels.
One message targeted Armen Aramyan, a journalist convicted in Russia for "engaging minors in dangerous activities" after covering opposition protests. After fleeing to Armenia and then Germany, Aramyan was the subject of an informal request for information from Russian authorities. "I don't think they expected Germany to extradite me," he said, "but even tiny bits of information would be valuable to them."
Other messages revealed exchanges about the movements of Lyubov Sobol, an ally of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and Gleb Karakulov, a high-profile defector. These communications occurred even after Interpol announced additional vetting of Russian requests.
Internal reports highlight ongoing concerns
Internal Interpol documents from 2024 and 2025, accessed by the BBC, show senior officials expressing "serious concerns" about Russia's "wilful misuse" of the agency's systems. One report described instances of "flagrant violations" of Interpol's rules. Despite these concerns, approximately 90% of Russia's requests passed initial checks in 2024, while the CCF overturned roughly half of the Russian cases it reviewed, raising questions about the effectiveness of the safeguards.
In 2024, Russia attempted to issue red diffusions against judges and a prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the ICC issued arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and another official for actions in Ukraine. These requests were rejected, but the incident underscored the persistent risks of abuse.
Calls for stricter measures
Lawyers specializing in Interpol matters, including Ben Keith and Yuriy Nemets, argue that the agency's efforts to prevent misuse have fallen short. Keith suggested that countries found to be persistently abusing the system should face temporary suspension. "If Interpol doesn't act," he warned, "Russia can pin any crime on anyone with the push of a button, enabling global persecution."
Interpol has not commented on the specific allegations in the leaked files, citing its "strict rules on the processing of data." The agency maintained that it balances police cooperation with preventing abuse, stating that keeping communication channels open helps combat crime.
Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs did not respond to requests for comment.
