Leak reveals Russia's extensive misuse of Interpol to request arrests of critics abroad, targeting dissidents and political opponents through international wanted lists.

A leaked cache exposes that Russia systematically abuses Interpol's global wanted list mechanism to target and harass critics, political opponents, and dissidents living abroad. The leak reveals Russia's widespread practice of filing politically motivated arrest requests, using judicial and law enforcement tools internationally to pressure and intimidate regime critics. This undermines Interpol's neutrality and disrupts legitimate policing. The practice includes requests that have led to danger and forced relocation for targeted individuals. This represents a covert tool in Russia's broader intelligence and repression apparatus to pursue its adversaries beyond its borders.