Andorra Joins Interpol Agreement Granting Legal Protections and Independence

Andorra has joined an international agreement strengthening Interpol's independence by granting the organization legal protections for its operations and data.

Police Director Bruno Lasne signed the General Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Criminal Police Organization during the 53rd European Regional Conference in Toledo, Spain, on 20 and 21 May. He signed alongside Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza and President Lucas Philippe. Sergeant Major Francesc Almendros, head of Andorra's International Police Cooperation Office and National Central Bureau for Interpol, also attended the event.

The conference brought together 140 senior police officials from 54 European countries to address threats from transnational crime. Discussions covered fraud operations targeting victims outside Europe, criminal groups infiltrating legitimate businesses, changes in drug trafficking patterns across the continent, and strategies to dismantle human trafficking networks. Delegates examined how crime syndicates increasingly exploit digital platforms and large-scale scam centres, posing a growing global risk.

The agreement, adopted by Interpol's 196 member states at their 93rd General Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, last November, creates a multilateral legal framework. It ensures Interpol, its staff, and databases operate with full independence, neutrality, and immunity. The protections maintain confidentiality of shared police information and block unauthorised access by third parties.

Eleven countries initially adhered during the 2025 assembly. Andorra and Spain formalised their commitments at the Toledo conference, with other nations expected to follow after domestic approvals.