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PolitySource: Hindustan Times

INTERPOL Issues First Silver Notice on India's Request to Track Global Assets of Ex-French Embassy Officer

Thursday, 29 May 2025
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Key Points

INTERPOL's Silver Notice system has been successfully utilized by India to trace the global assets of Shubham Shokeen, a former French embassy officer accused of corruption. This development is crucial for UPSC aspirants, especially for GS Paper 2, as it highlights international cooperation and legal frameworks. Last Updated: 2025-05-29

Key Facts About INTERPOL's Silver Notice

  • INTERPOL Silver Notice launched in 2025 to trace criminal assets.
  • India is among 51 countries in the pilot phase until November 2025.
  • Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the nodal agency for INTERPOL in India.
  • BHARATPOL provides real-time access to INTERPOL data for law enforcement.
  • INTERPOL issues nine colour-coded notices for cooperation among 196 member countries.
  • First Silver Notice issued for Shubham Shokeen, accused of corruption.
  • Shokeen allegedly collected illegal bribes for Schengen visas.
  • Proceeds used to acquire properties worth 7,760,500 dirhams in Dubai.

India's Role in Global Asset Tracking

The implementation of INTERPOL's Silver Notice system is a significant step in enhancing India's global cooperation in combating economic crimes. This initiative aligns with India's strategic goals of strengthening international legal frameworks and improving its global ranking in asset recovery. By participating in this pilot phase, India showcases its commitment to tackling transnational organized crime, aligning with its economic and security objectives.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

  • BHARATPOL: Provides real-time access to INTERPOL data for law enforcement in India.

UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper 2: International Relations - mechanisms of international cooperation.
  • Prelims: Questions could focus on the types of INTERPOL notices and their functions.
  • Mains: Analytical themes on international legal frameworks and asset recovery.
  • Essay Paper: Topics on global cooperation against corruption and crime.

FAQ Section

  • What is INTERPOL's Silver Notice? INTERPOL's Silver Notice, launched in 2025, is a tool to trace and recover criminal assets internationally, enhancing cooperation among member countries.
  • Why is INTERPOL's Silver Notice important? It is crucial for tracking economic fugitives and recovering illicit assets, demonstrating proactive international cooperation against transnational crime.
  • What are the key features of the Silver Notice? The Silver Notice allows countries to request up to nine notices during the pilot phase, aiding in the location and recovery of laundered assets, and enhancing international police cooperation.

Detailed Coverage

  • INTERPOL Silver Notice launched in 2025 to trace criminal assets.
  • India is among 51 countries in the pilot phase until November 2025.
  • Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the nodal agency for INTERPOL in India.
  • BHARATPOL provides real-time access to INTERPOL data for law enforcement.
  • INTERPOL issues nine colour-coded notices for cooperation among 196 member countries.
  • First Silver Notice issued for Shubham Shokeen, accused of corruption.
  • Shokeen allegedly collected illegal bribes for Schengen visas.
  • Proceeds used to acquire properties worth 7,760,500 dirhams in Dubai.
  • Another notice issued against Amit Madanlal Lakhanpal for unauthorized cryptocurrency.
  • CBI has requested additional Silver notices for ongoing investigations.
  • Silver Notices facilitate locating and recovering laundered assets.
  • Countries can use information for asset seizure and recovery.
  • Demonstrates proactive international cooperation in tracking economic fugitives.
  • Silver Notice system combats transnational organized crime.
  • Each country can request up to nine Silver Notices during the pilot phase.
  • Enhances international police cooperation against crimes like drug trafficking and fraud.
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Practice Questions

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The introduction of a new system aimed at tracing and recovering criminal assets, which was launched in 2025 and is currently in a pilot phase involving 51 countries, is known by what term?