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Recently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Academy joined the Interpol Global Academy Network as its 10th member.
About Interpol
- It’s an international organization that facilitates cooperation and collaboration among law enforcement agencies from different countries.
- Its primary goal is to assist in combating transnational crime and ensuring international security.
- Interpol was established in 1923 and is headquartered in Lyon, France.
- Interpol currently has 194 member countries, making it one of the largest international police organizations.

Key functions of Interpol include:
- Information Sharing: Interpol maintains a vast database of criminal information, including fingerprints, DNA profiles, stolen property records, and information about criminals and their activities. Law enforcement agencies from member countries can access and contribute to this database to aid in investigations.
- Notices: Interpol issues various types of notices to assist member countries in locating fugitives, missing persons, and criminals. These notices include Red Notices (requesting the location and arrest of a wanted person) and Blue Notices (to collect information about a person's identity or location).
- Capacity Building and Training: Interpol provides training programs, workshops, and resources to law enforcement professionals from member countries. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including cybercrime investigation, counter-terrorism strategies, human trafficking prevention, and more.
- Criminal Analysis: Interpol analyzes crime trends, patterns, and emerging threats to provide member countries with actionable intelligence to enhance their law enforcement efforts.
- Operations and Coordination: Interpol assists in coordinating international law enforcement operations to tackle specific criminal activities or threats. These operations involve collaboration between member countries' law enforcement agencies.
- Support for National Agencies: Interpol acts as a liaison between law enforcement agencies in different countries, aiding in communication and cooperation during cross-border investigations.
- Cybercrime Unit: Given the increasing importance of digital crime, Interpol has a dedicated unit that focuses on combating cybercrime, enhancing cybersecurity, and assisting member countries in investigating digital offenses.
About the Interpol Global Academy Network
- It’s an initiative launched by Interpol in 2019 to support Interpol in leading a global approach to law enforcement training.
- This network aims to promote academic collaboration among law enforcement training institutions by conducting joint training programmes and research projects.
About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- CBI is the premier investigative agency in India which was formed in 1964.
- It operates as an autonomous agency under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions of the Government of India.
- The CBI's primary mandate is to investigate and combat corruption, economic offenses, and other serious crimes of national and international significance.
- The Director of the CBI is appointed by a committee consisting of the Prime Minister of India, the Chief Justice of India, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India's Parliament).
- While the CBI is headquartered in New Delhi, it has the authority to investigate cases across India. However, its jurisdiction requires permission from state governments in some instances.
- The CBI comprises specialized units such as the Anti-Corruption Division, Economic Offenses Division, Special Crimes Division, and more, each focusing on different areas of investigation.
- The CBI collaborates with international law enforcement agencies and organizations like Interpol to address transnational crime, extradition requests, and sharing of information.
- The CBI can be directed by the courts to investigate cases based on public interest petitions filed by citizens seeking the agency's intervention.
- The CBI Academy in Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) provides training to CBI officers and staff, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective investigation and law enforcement.
- The CBI, like any law enforcement agency, has faced criticisms regarding its independence, political interference, and challenges in handling complex cases.