What is a diffusion?
A request for cooperation circulated directly by a member country's National Central Bureau to all or some other member countries, outside the notice system.
Diffusions follow the same colour categories as notices and must comply with INTERPOL's Constitution and Rules.
How is a diffusion checked?
Red diffusions, those circulated to arrest, detain or restrict the movement of an accused or convicted person, are checked for compliance by INTERPOL's Notices and Diffusions Task Force.
A diffusion of a political, military, religious or racial character is not entered into the database.
How is one challenged?
On the same grounds as a notice: failure to meet the Rules, or a breach of Article 3 of the Constitution. The application is made to the CCF.
Because a diffusion goes straight from one country to others, early advice matters.
What should I do first?
Identify the channel
Establish whether the alert is a diffusion circulated by a National Central Bureau or a published notice.
Find out who circulated it and to whom
A diffusion may go to only some countries, which affects where you are at risk.
Check the type
Wanted-person diffusions are reviewed by INTERPOL's task force, so ask what stage it has reached.
Prepare the compliance argument
The Rules on the Processing of Data, Article 3 of the Constitution, and the evidence for each.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is a diffusion more serious than a notice?
Neither is a warrant. Both are requests for cooperation that each country applies under its own laws.
Can a diffusion be turned into a notice?
A requesting country can ask for a notice. We advise on what that means for you if it happens.
Related guides
INTERPOL Cases overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewINTERPOL Red Notice Removal
How a Red Notice can be challenged and removed, and the grounds that matter.
Read the guideCCF Applications
What the CCF is, who can apply and how an application is prepared.
Read the guideSources
Source for INTERPOL statements: About Red Notices and About Notices on interpol.int, checked 15 October 2026. INTERPOL can change its rules, so confirm the current text before relying on it.
This page is general information, not legal advice.