We welcome enquiries from criminal defence, extradition, immigration, asylum, dispute-resolution and international-law practitioners who need to assess an INTERPOL record or prepare a properly supported submission. We do not imply that a firm referral creates an attorney-client relationship or legal privilege in every jurisdiction before engagement terms and relevant law are clarified.
When firms approach specialist CCF counsel
- A client was detained abroad, and local counsel needs a separate plan for the notice/diffusion data.
- National extradition proceedings are live, and the firm wants to identify whether the underlying INTERPOL record raises a distinct compliance issue.
- A commercial or shareholder dispute has developed into an international criminal allegation.
- An applicant has a formal refugee decision or other protection evidence potentially relevant to INTERPOL's rules.
- A CCF access request, data correction/deletion, urgent provisional measure or Article 42 revision needs technical drafting.
- The court or source-state record has changed, and counsel needs to determine its relevance to ongoing INTERPOL processing.
Division of work: keep the mandates clear
| Task | Local law firm | Specialist INTERPOL/CCF workstream |
|---|---|---|
| Police station, bail, domestic arrest or court hearing | Leads, subject to local authorisation | May advise on how INTERPOL data forms part of the factual background |
| Extradition application and remedies | Leads and files in local courts | Reviews INTERPOL compliance arguments and evidence that may overlap |
| INTERPOL access/deletion/correction submissions | May instruct or coordinate | Analyses CCF mandate, admissibility, evidence map and portal submission requirements |
| Source-country case record | Obtains and validates with appropriate local counsel | Identifies material relevant to data accuracy, neutrality and stated purpose |
| Client communications | Agreed lead contact and informed client consent | Reports within agreed engagement and confidentiality boundaries |
| Post-decision national records | Local-authority follow-up | Explains the precise INTERPOL remedy and what it does not cover |
This table is a suggested workflow, not a claim that CIL automatically acts in any foreign court or can secure particular national outcomes.
Our proposed co-counsel process
1. Initial scope and conflict review. The instructing firm describes the jurisdiction, relevant deadlines, type of INTERPOL data if known and who will represent the client. Avoid sending passports, complete case files or sensitive evidence before secure exchange instructions have been agreed.
2. Define representation and authority. We identify the client, instructing party, confidentiality expectations, jurisdiction, billing and whether any CCF representative requires a signed power of attorney. The official CCF guidance makes express authorisation important; a firm's instruction to another professional does not necessarily substitute for the applicant's valid authorisation.
3. Create an evidence index. We separate national court evidence, source-state allegations, international human-rights documents, INTERPOL correspondence and legal argument. A chronological document matrix helps spot gaps and identify which material is actually relevant to the CCF's limited mandate.
4. Select the CCF route. Access, deletion/correction and revision address different procedural questions. An urgent request may warrant consideration of provisional measures but cannot be promised or treated as a domestic stay.
5. Coordinate communications. Confirm one responsible point of contact, a documented approval process for submissions and a timetable tied to actual court or CCF events. An applicant and their representatives should follow the CCF's online portal and current communication rules.
6. Close and follow up. Record what the decision actually changed, which national matters remain open and who is responsible for any local records or further proceedings. There should be no implication that a CCF outcome decides guilt, extradition or immigration status.
Information that helps a first professional enquiry
| Information | Helpful level of detail at first contact |
|---|---|
| Your firm and practice jurisdiction | Firm identity and jurisdiction (do not assume CIL's local admission) |
| Case stage and deadlines | e.g., detention, scheduled hearing, prior CCF ruling |
| Notice status | Confirmed notice, suspected diffusion, unknown or past deletion |
| Proposed workstream | Access, deletion/correction, provisional measures, revision or strategy |
| Representation structure | Who has client instructions and who coordinates consent |
Specific allegations, health records, asylum status and identity-document scans need not be included in an initial web enquiry. Arrange secure transfer after scope and conflict checks.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CCF take oral arguments like a national court?
The CCF normally assesses written materials and holds hearings only in exceptional circumstances. Build a clear documentary record rather than relying on an expected hearing.
Can we rely on a domestic acquittal to obtain automatic deletion?
No. Its relevance depends on the legal basis, facts, finality and applicable INTERPOL rules. A separate CCF analysis is needed.
Can a local lawyer and a CCF representative act simultaneously?
They can have different mandates, subject to client instructions, governing professional rules, the CCF's representative-authorisation requirements and agreed communications.
Does CIL pay referral commissions?
Commercial terms, if any, must be evaluated individually under applicable law and professional duties. This page does not offer or promise referral fees.
Official sources: CCF submission instructions and representation; CCF Portal User Guide.