Peters & Peters has succeeded in having diffusions deleted from INTERPOL in respect of two of our clients, who are very successful and high-profile Russian businessmen.

In a classic example of corporate raiding, the Russian Federation opened an “investigation to order” based on fabricated allegations, and twice sought to circulate diffusions in respect our clients. On the basis of pre-emptive representations made by us, INTERPOL blocked the first diffusions as a precautionary measure. They were then deleted at the beginning of 2020.

Undeterred, the Russian Federation immediately sought to circulate further – identical – diffusions, which were again blocked by INTERPOL.

This month, following the submission of lengthy and detailed representations by Peters & Peters accompanied by authoritative independent expert reports, the Commission for Control of INTERPOL’s Files considered our clients’ files at its 114th Session. The outcome of those deliberations is conclusive: the second diffusions have been deleted, with INTERPOL finding that the diffusions did not satisfy the requirements of Article 3 of its Constitution:

It is strictly forbidden for the Organization to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character.

INTERPOL, providing its written reasoning, appears particularly perturbed by the pattern of behaviour engaged in by the Russian Federation in this case, referring to the immediate recirculation of identical diffusions and the repeated failure by the Russian National Central Bureau to meet deadlines for the provision of information.

Peters & Peters is pleased that our clients’ rights have been vindicated by INTERPOL’s decision in this matter, and will continue to defend them and their interests from the false allegations made by the Russian authorities.