Blue Corner Notice

Why in News ?

INTERPOL has issued a Blue Corner Notice to trace the missing owners of a Goa-based nightclub where a major fire incident recently occurred. The notice seeks assistance from all member countries in locating them and obtaining key identity and background details. The step was taken after local authorities reported that the owners absconded soon after the tragedy, highlighting gaps in accountability and cross-border crime tracking.

Background & Context

• Goa’s nightclub fire incident resulted in significant casualties and raised concerns regarding fire safety compliance, illegal construction, and regulatory failures.
• As the accused went missing, Indian authorities requested INTERPOL assistance to expand the search beyond national borders.
• Blue Corner Notices are commonly used in cases involving fugitives before formal charges, missing suspects, or individuals wanted for questioning.

What is a Blue Corner Notice ?

A Blue Corner Notice is an “Enquiry Notice” issued by INTERPOL to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or criminal activities.
It allows law enforcement agencies across 196 member countries to share or request information connected to an ongoing investigation.

Key Features

• Used before filing formal criminal charges.
• Helps verify identity, background, or criminal record.
• Facilitates cross-border information sharing and police cooperation.
• Can be issued for persons who are missing, absconding, or wanted for questioning.

Other Types of INTERPOL Notices

INTERPOL uses a colour-coded alert system:

1. Red Notice

• For locating and arresting individuals wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence.

2. Yellow Notice

• To trace missing persons, especially children, or identify people unable to confirm their identity.

3. Black Notice

• For identifying unknown deceased bodies.

4. Green Notice

• Alerts about individuals with criminal history who could pose a threat.

5. Orange Notice

• Warns about dangerous persons, objects, or events that pose immediate risk.

6. Purple Notice

• Shares information on criminal modus operandi, tools, or concealment techniques.

7. Silver Notice (Pilot)

• Helps identify, locate, or recover assets linked to criminal activity.

What is INTERPOL ?

INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) is the world’s largest international police cooperation body.

Key Highlights

• Members: 196 countries
• India became a member: 1949
• Headquarters: Lyon, France
• Special Status: Permanent Observer at the United Nations since 1996

Functions

• Facilitates international police cooperation.
• Helps combat terrorism, cybercrime, trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime.
• Maintains global criminal databases and secure communication networks.
• Issues Notices and Diffusions to assist investigations worldwide.

Why Blue Corner Notices Are Important

• Enable quick cross-border tracing of suspects or missing persons.
• Strengthen cooperation between Indian agencies and global policing networks.
• Help curb international flight of offenders and support timely investigations.
• Are essential when suspects abscond immediately after a crime, as in the Goa nightclub case.