Introduction

In September 1923, police chiefs from twenty countries met in Vienna, Austria, without diplomatic authority or instructions from their government, and formed the organization now known as the International Criminal Police Organization, or INTERPOL. The organization was established without the normal formality of a treaty ratified by member states. Although the absence of a treaty may make INTERPOL unconventional, police organizations and governments throughout the world have broadly participated in INTERPOL since its inception. As of May 1, 2009, 187 countries participate in INTERPOL, making it a truly universal organization in terms of its membership.

INTERPOL's mandate includes the investigation and suppression of drug trafficking, money laundering, bank fraud, smuggling, trafficking in illicit arms and stolen works of art, financial fraud, illicit electronic fund transfers, piracy of cassettes and videotapes, hijacking of planes and ships, theft, arson, and terrorism, as well as the tracking of fugitives from such offenses. INTERPOL assists in transmitting information about individual cases and fugitives as well as trends in crimes, but it does not actually conduct arrests. On white collar crime issues INTERPOL helps in the investigation and prosecution of cases, and it collects and disseminates data on crime trends and new police techniques. It also provides technical assistance, especially to developing countries, both on general police techniques and on responding to specific crimes.