What Happened to International Criminal Police Organization – INTERPOL?
INTERPOL, the world's largest international police organization, continues to serve as a vital hub for global law enforcement cooperation, combating transnational crime, terrorism, and cybercrime. In recent years, it has seen significant leadership changes with Valdecy Urquiza elected as Secretary General in November 2024 and Lucas Philippe as President in November 2025. The organization is actively addressing modern challenges, including global scam centers and the ethical use of AI in policing, while also facing scrutiny over the potential misuse of its systems by member states.
Quick Answer
INTERPOL remains the premier international police organization, facilitating cooperation among its 196 member countries to combat global crime. As of July 2026, Valdecy Urquiza of Brazil serves as Secretary General, elected in November 2024, and Lucas Philippe of France is the President, elected in November 2025. The organization recently adopted its Strategic Framework 2026-2030, focusing on being a trusted information hub, providing operational support, and serving as a leading voice for law enforcement. Its 94th General Assembly is scheduled to be hosted by Hong Kong in 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Founded as International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC)
The organization was established at a five-day International Police Congress in Vienna, initially named the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC).
Renamed INTERPOL
The ICPC adopted a new constitution and officially changed its name to the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), derived from its telegraphic address.
Adapted Strategies to Combat Terrorism
Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, INTERPOL underwent substantial changes to better address terrorism-related crimes, enhancing its visibility and activities.
Interpol Foundation for a Safer World Created
The Interpol Foundation for a Safer World was established with the goal of enhancing collaboration between INTERPOL and the private sector to support its missions.
Valdecy Urquiza Selected as Secretary General Candidate
The Executive Committee selected Valdecy Urquiza of Brazil as its candidate for the next Secretary General, following a recruitment process.
92nd INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow, UK
Global police leaders gathered in Glasgow for the annual General Assembly, discussing biometric capabilities, AI in policing, and electing the new Secretary General.
Valdecy Urquiza Elected Secretary General
Valdecy Urquiza of Brazil was officially elected as the new Secretary General of INTERPOL for a five-year term, becoming the first non-European/American to hold the post.
93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco
Representatives from 196 member countries convened to strengthen global cooperation against cybercrime, terrorism, and organized crime, and to elect new Executive Committee members.
Lucas Philippe Elected President
Lucas Philippe of France was elected as the new President of INTERPOL for a four-year term during the 93rd General Assembly in Marrakech.
INTERPOL Strategic Framework 2026-2030 Adopted
The General Assembly formally adopted the 'INTERPOL Strategic Framework 2026-2030' and approved the operating budget for 2026 at €140.9 million.
Allegations of Russia Misusing Red Notices
Whistleblower data provided to the BBC and Disclose suggested that Russia has been using INTERPOL to target critics abroad, requesting arrests of political opponents and journalists.
Hong Kong to Host 94th General Assembly
It was announced that Hong Kong will host the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly in 2026, marking the first time the event will be held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
21st Heads of NCBs Conference in Lyon
Law enforcement officials from 148 countries met in Lyon for INTERPOL's annual Heads of National Central Bureaus (NCBs) Conference to discuss global scam centers, organized crime, and AI in criminal activity.
Secretary General Urquiza to Receive Award
Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza is scheduled to receive the 2026 John O'Driscoll Memorial Award for International Co-Operation at Dublin Castle.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as INTERPOL, was founded on September 7, 1923, as the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC) in Vienna, adopting its current name in 1956. Headquartered in Lyon, France, it is the world's largest international police organization, boasting 196 member countries as of 2026. INTERPOL's core mission is to facilitate worldwide police cooperation and crime control, focusing on three major areas of transnational crime: terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime.
In recent years, INTERPOL has continued to adapt its strategies to address evolving global threats. Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the organization significantly enhanced its focus on terrorism-related crimes. This commitment extends to combating child sexual abuse material online, maintaining a 'Worst Of' List to help block access to such domains. The organization operates through a network of National Central Bureaus (NCBs) in each member country, serving as crucial liaisons for information exchange and coordinated action across borders.
Leadership saw significant changes in 2024 and 2025. In November 2024, Valdecy Urquiza of Brazil was elected as the new Secretary General, taking over from Jürgen Stock. Urquiza, who previously served as Vice-President for the Americas and Assistant Director for Vulnerable Communities, is tasked with overseeing INTERPOL's new Strategic Framework 2026-2030. This framework emphasizes INTERPOL's role as a global information hub, a provider of world-class investigative support, and a leading voice for law enforcement. In November 2025, during the 93rd General Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, Lucas Philippe of France was elected as President for a four-year term.
Financially, INTERPOL's operating expenditure budget for 2026 was approved at €140.9 million, a substantial increase from previous years, with a significant rise in statutory contributions from member countries. This expansion reflects the organization's efforts to ensure financial sustainability and enhance its activities. However, INTERPOL has also faced ongoing scrutiny regarding the potential misuse of its Red Notice system by certain member states, with whistleblower data in January 2026 suggesting Russia uses INTERPOL to target critics abroad. This highlights the delicate balance INTERPOL must maintain between facilitating international cooperation and upholding human rights and neutrality.
Looking ahead, INTERPOL continues to hold its annual General Assemblies, with the 94th session scheduled for Hong Kong in 2026, marking the first time the event will be held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. These assemblies are critical for discussing global security challenges, strengthening international collaboration, and shaping the future of policing, including addressing the growing role of artificial intelligence in criminal activity.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if International Criminal Police Organization – INTERPOL made different choices?