If you’re involved in an international legal matter — whether as a suspect, a witness, or a victim — it’s important to understand how Romania works with Interpol and other global law enforcement bodies. From tracking fugitives to executing European Arrest Warrants, Romania plays an active role in international criminal cooperation.
Here’s what you need to know about how these mechanisms work and how they might affect you.
Romania’s Role in International Criminal Cooperation
Romania is a member of several major international organizations focused on law enforcement and justice, including:
- Interpol;
- Europol (European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation);
- Eurojust (EU Judicial Cooperation Unit);
- The Schengen Information System (SIS);
- Bilateral and multilateral extradition treaties.
These partnerships allow Romanian authorities to:
- Share and receive intelligence on cross-border crime;
- Track suspects or wanted persons internationally;
- Cooperate on extradition or prosecution;
- Execute arrest warrants issued by other states.
Interpol: How It Works with Romania
Interpol is not a police force — it’s a global coordination platform. When Interpol issues a Red Notice, it alerts all member states that a person is wanted for arrest.
In Romania:
- Red Notices are taken seriously and can result in detention and extradition;
- The Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs and Judicial Police handle Interpol matters;
- Courts review extradition requests and ensure they comply with Romanian and EU law.
Important: A Red Notice is not an automatic arrest warrant. Romanian courts must evaluate whether the person can be lawfully extradited based on legal protections, such as the risk of torture or unfair trial.
European Arrest Warrant (EAW)
Romania, as an EU member, fully participates in the European Arrest Warrant system. This allows for the fast and simplified extradition of individuals between EU countries.
If you’re subject to an EAW in Romania:
- You can be arrested without a lengthy diplomatic process;
- A court will verify the legality of the request within a short deadline;
- You can contest the warrant with the help of a lawyer.
Extradition is usually mandatory, unless exceptions apply (e.g., double jeopardy, or concerns over human rights).
Other Forms of Cooperation
Romania also:
- Shares criminal intelligence through Europol;
- Cooperates with prosecutors from other EU countries via Eurojust;
- Responds to Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests to gather or provide evidence for international investigations;
- Has bilateral treaties with non-EU countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Turkey).
Legal Protections for the Accused
Even in international cases, you are entitled to fundamental rights in Romania, such as:
- Legal assistance;
- A fair hearing before any extradition;
- The right to challenge the evidence or procedure;
- Protection from extradition in politically motivated cases.
Romania will not extradite individuals:
- If there’s a risk of torture or inhuman treatment;
- If the person faces the death penalty;
- If the criminal offense is not recognized under Romanian law.
How You Can Be Affected by Cooperation with Interpol and Other
You may be subject to international cooperation if:
- You’re listed on a Red Notice or European Arrest Warrant;
- You’re involved in a case spanning multiple countries (cybercrime, fraud, trafficking, etc.);
- Evidence is requested from abroad for a case you’re involved in;
- You’re arrested at a Romanian border or airport due to a foreign warrant.
If this happens, seek immediate legal representation in Romania. The process can move quickly — but so can your defense, with the right help.
Conclusion on Romania’s Cooperation with Interpol and Other Agencies
Romania is well integrated into the global law enforcement network. While this means better international justice, it also means individuals can be quickly caught up in transnational procedures — often without much warning.
If you or someone you know is subject to an Interpol notice, extradition request, or EAW in Romania, speak with a criminal defense lawyer experienced in international cooperation cases. Your legal rights don’t end at the border — and neither should your defense.
You can contact us if you need further information and we will be glad to help.