Red Notice Abuse in a Commercial Dispute Involving Indonesian Authorities
A foreign investor faced Red Notice abuse by Indonesian authorities during a commercial dispute, where fabricated criminal charges were used to pressure shareholders and seize control. Led by advocate Dmytro Konovalenko, our legal team launched a defense highlighting the misuse of INTERPOL for private gain.
Case Overview
A client reached out to our legal team after observing signs of Red Notice misuse by the Indonesian police. According to the client, a commercial dispute involving foreign shareholders and a local company had escalated into criminal allegations, fabricated with the intention of undermining ownership and seizing control.
The client reported that influential parties in Indonesia had allegedly enlisted local law enforcement — with financial backing — to initiate an INTERPOL Red Notice based on unfounded accusations, all to pressure or discredit foreign investors involved in the dispute.
The notice was not only damaging the reputation of the individuals involved but also jeopardizing their international mobility and ability to conduct legitimate business operations abroad.
Legal Strategy: Exposing the Commercial Weaponization of INTERPOL
INTERPOL’s rules strictly prohibit the use of its systems for civil, private, or commercial disputes. Article 3 of its Constitution reinforces this by prohibiting involvement in matters of a political, military, racial, or religious character, as well as those lacking legal merit.
Under the leadership of Dmytro Konovalenko, our team conducted a thorough review of the client’s documentation, tracing the timeline of the business dispute, the allegations made, and the nature of police involvement in Indonesia.
We prepared a formal submission to INTERPOL’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF), requesting deletion of the Red Notice on the basis that it arose from a civil-commercial disagreement improperly framed as a criminal case. We emphasized the financial motivations behind the notice and the lack of legal substance in the accusations.
In parallel, we provided guidance on mitigating reputational risk, including strategies for media management, business continuity abroad, and international advocacy if the notice impacted banking, immigration, or trade relations.
Result
The case has been formally admitted for review by the CCF. While the Red Notice remains active pending the review, the client now has a robust international legal defense and formal recognition of the commercial nature of the conflict. With proper legal framing and continued advocacy, the client is on track to achieve removal of the unjust notice and safeguard both their name and international operations.
