New Interpol notice helps agencies trace hidden criminal assets

Silver Notice being rolled out in pilot phase involving 52 jurisdictions, including S'pore

- Samuel Devaraj

Global police organisation Interpol has launched a new notice to assist law enforcement agencies in tracking down assets hidden overseas by individuals and groups involved in criminal activities.

In a statement on Jan 10, Interpol said the Silver Notice is being rolled out in a pilot phase involving 52 countries and territories, including Singapore, and will run until at least November 2025.

The Italian authorities have requested the first Silver Notice, seeking information on the more than €500 million (S$703 million) worth of assets belonging to a senior member of the mafia.

It was requested by investigators from the Guardia di Finanza of the Italian city of Palermo, and relates to the search for information on the presence of assets mainly in Asia and South America linked to worldwide money laundering activities.

Law enforcement agencies can also request assistance through Silver Diffusions, which are informal requests for cooperation sent directly by them to select countries.

Interpol said that with the Silver Notice and Diffusions, law enforcement agencies can request information on assets linked to criminal activities such as fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, environmental crime and other serious offences.

"It will facilitate locating, identifying, and obtaining information about laundered assets including properties, vehicles, financial accounts and businesses," said Interpol.