CIL assists people who suspect an alert, have received a warning from a bank or immigration authority, or wish to establish their position before travel or other important decisions.
What an access request can and cannot establish
| It may help clarify | It cannot promise |
|---|---|
| Whether the CCF can confirm INTERPOL-held data | Full access to all police or intelligence databases worldwide |
| The nature or source of information if disclosure is authorised | Disclosure that is restricted under applicable CCF rules |
| Whether further correction/deletion analysis is justified | Automatic deletion or suspension of data |
| A procedural basis for a focused next step | Immunity from domestic arrest or border checks |
When to consider access
- A border official referred to INTERPOL information but no document was provided.
- A bank, employer or counterparty mentioned a Red Notice after screening.
- Proceedings abroad make you concerned that a request could have been circulated.
- Your lawyer needs a clearer foundation for an eventual deletion application.
- You have a common name or suspect that incorrect identification data may be in use.
Documents usually needed
The exact requirements must be checked against the current CCF portal rules. Be prepared for a readable, unredacted identity document, a signed request or representative authorisation, and a power of attorney where a representative acts for you. Translations may be needed when supporting materials are not in a working language.
Do not email a passport to an unverified address or submit sensitive attachments through an ordinary website contact form. Ask for a secure exchange channel after the initial consultation.
Timing and restrictions
The CCF's statutory period for deciding an admissible access request is four months, subject to the framework for extensions. Its response may be limited if disclosure restrictions apply. An access request is not an emergency travel-clearance certificate.
Our process
- Clarify what you already know and whether an urgent local-law risk exists.
- Check identity/authority documentation and the proper filing type.
- Prepare and submit the request via the CCF online portal.
- Monitor CCF correspondence and explain the legal significance of the response.
- Where justified, develop a separate deletion strategy.
FAQ
Can I search the INTERPOL database myself?
The public Red Notice website shows selected public entries, not the entire system. See our checking guide.
Will an access request reveal who accused me?
Not necessarily. The CCF may limit disclosure in accordance with its rules and the particulars of the case.
Does requesting access put my name on a wanted list?
Submitting a request for information is not itself a request by a country to circulate a notice. The precise privacy and procedural implications should be reviewed before filing.
Source: CCF FAQ.