French police officer Lucas Philippe was elected as the new president of Interpol during the organization's General Assembly held in Marrakech, Reuters reports. He will lead the largest international police structure for a four-year term, News.bg reports.
According to the organizers, the forum was attended by 886 representatives from 179 member states, as well as delegates from 34 international organizations. The meetings discussed key topics such as cybercrime, transnational criminal networks, online fraud centers and the protection of personal data.
Philippe's election comes at a time of heightened expectations for Interpol to modernize coordination mechanisms between national police services and to tighten control over the use of international wanted notices, known as “red notices“.
Interpol does not have the power to make arrests or conduct independent investigations, but acts as a global communication and information network between the police services of member states. The organization was created in 1923 in Vienna under the name International Criminal Police Commission. After World War II, its headquarters were moved first to Paris and since 1989 it has been located in Lyon. Today, Interpol unites 195 countries and is among the largest international organizations in the world.
In recent years, Interpol has come under criticism over allegations that some authoritarian regimes are abusing its international search mechanisms to persecute political opponents and journalists. Non-transparent procedures and difficulties in appealing “red notices” also cast doubt on the effectiveness of the system. Nevertheless, the organization remains a key element of global police coordination, and its new president is expected to restore trust and adapt Interpol to the challenges of the digital age.