Whistleblower Leak Details Russia's Apparent Misuse of Interpol

Thousands of files obtained by a whistleblower within Interpol and provided to the BBC World Service and French investigative outlet Disclose indicate Russia has been leveraging Interpol's wanted lists to request the arrest of individuals, including political opponents, businessmen, and journalists, under claims of criminal activity.

Analysis of the data suggests that over the past decade, Interpol's independent complaints unit has received more complaints regarding Russia than any other country, tripling the number for the second-highest country, Turkey. This data also indicates that complaints against Russia's requests have resulted in more overturned cases than for any other nation.

Following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Interpol implemented additional checks on Russia's activities to prevent potential misuse of its channels. However, the leaked documents suggest these measures did not halt the alleged abuse, with the whistleblower claiming some stricter protocols were quietly removed in 2025. Interpol maintains that its systems, which have been strengthened in recent years, aim to prevent misuse, and acknowledges the impact arrest requests can have.

Case Study: Igor Pestrikov

Businessman Igor Pestrikov's name appeared in the leaked files. After fleeing Russia in June 2022 and seeking asylum in France, he discovered he was subject to a red diffusion, an Interpol request for location and arrest. Pestrikov reported experiencing significant personal disruption, including blocked bank accounts and constant anxiety, leading his family to relocate for safety.

Pestrikov, a former major shareholder in Russian metals companies, stated that prior to the 2022 invasion, government ministers pressured him to restrict sales to the Russian market. He believed this would contribute to the production of military components. Citing both financial and moral objections, he refused to comply. He attributes the nationalization of his companies and subsequent financial crime investigation to his refusal and his then-wife's Ukrainian nationality.

Pestrikov challenged Russia's request through Interpol's Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files (CCF), arguing it was politically motivated. Interpol's constitution explicitly forbids the organization from engaging in political, military, religious, or racial interventions.

After nearly two years on the wanted list, the CCF determined his case was predominantly political, citing "generic and formulaic" information and an "inadequate explanation" from Russia. Interpol subsequently cancelled the request for his detention.

Transparency and Scope of the Issue

Interpol publicly releases limited data on illegitimate arrest requests and has not disclosed which countries are subject to complaints or inquiries since 2018. The leaked documents provide a more comprehensive overview.

• Complaints: A batch of files containing complaints sent to the CCF, though not exhaustive, shows more complaints directed at Russia than any other country over the past 11 years where the requesting nation was specified.
• Overturned Cases: Over the last decade, at least 700 individuals wanted by Russia submitted complaints to the CCF. Of these, a minimum of 400 had their red notices or diffusions overturned, which is a higher number than for any other country, according to the received data.

Expert Perspectives and Alternative Tracking Methods

British barrister Ben Keith, who represents clients seeking removal from Interpol's wanted lists, described Russia as a "main perpetrator of abusive red notices." He believes Interpol's efforts to prevent abuse have not been effective, noting a consistent flow of clients targeted by Russian red notices who are often politically connected, pro-Ukraine, or victims of corporate raiding.

International lawyer Yuriy Nemets concurred that the additional scrutiny applied to Russia's arrest requests after the Ukraine invasion has not proven effective. He referenced cases where Russians opposing the war were targeted for speaking out, charged with financial or other common crimes, and subsequently entered into the database.

The Interpol insider also provided thousands of messages exchanged between individual countries via Interpol's messaging system, indicating less formal methods for tracing individuals abroad.

• Denied Requests Follow-up: One message from Moscow to law enforcement in Abu Dhabi requested assistance in tracing a subject's whereabouts, even after Interpol had denied a formal red notice request. This practice contradicts Interpol's guidance.
• Journalist Targeted: A message related to journalist Armen Aramyan, who fled Russia after a conviction for "engaging minors in dangerous activities" (linked to reporting on pro-Navalny student protests), was sent from Russia to law enforcement in Armenia and Germany in February 2023. This message, sent during a period of restrictive measures and message checks, sought "any useful information" and Aramyan's location, bypassing formal red notice processes. Aramyan expressed shock but not surprise upon seeing the message.
• Other Figures: The leak contains further messages where foreign law enforcement provided details on the movements of Lyubov Sobol, an ally of Alexei Navalny, and high-profile defector Gleb Karakulov. These exchanges, including the one concerning Karakulov, occurred after Interpol had announced its additional vetting for Moscow.
• ICC Judges: A report mentioned Russia requested red diffusions on International Criminal Court (ICC) judges following the court's issuance of arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Russia's commissioner for children's rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, in connection with Ukraine.