While the names may sound similar, Europol and INTERPOL are different, separate organisations.
Europol sets up and coordinates cross-border operations against the most dangerous criminal groups in the EU. We facilitate direct communication between investigators from national law enforcement authorities. Europol analysts and experts support investigators in real-time and often on-the-spot while taking an active part in complex operations. In other words, we make cross-border investigations more efficient.
INTERPOL is a global organisation, which helps law enforcement authorities across the world to improve their capacities by the exchange of information and best practices. INTERPOL is also known for its red notices (a wanted fugitive is on the run) and yellow notices (alert for a missing person).
That doesn’t mean we don’t work together – we collaborate on different operations and host an annual joint cybercrime conference.
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- 20 things you always wanted (but never dared) to ask Europol