Rabat– The 93rd General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) wrapped up on Thursday in Marrakech, closing four days of high-level discussions with the adoption of several resolutions aimed at boosting the organization’s operational effectiveness and strategic direction.
The gathering brought together more than 800 delegates from 179 countries, including 82 police chiefs — reaffirming the General Assembly’s status as the largest annual meeting of global law enforcement leadership. This year’s session focused heavily on emerging security threats and the evolving needs of international policing.
Among the central issues discussed was the rapid growth of transnational scam and fraud centers, which member states described as an escalating global threat. Delegates also approved and advanced work on the implementation of the United Nations Cybercrime Convention, reflecting the organization’s increasing engagement with digital crime.
The Assembly further launched the pilot phase of Interpol’s new “silver notices,” a classification designed to enhance international alerts and information-sharing in specific operational contexts.
Delegates addressed several structural reforms as well, including efforts to strengthen Interpol’s regional presence and a review of the legal framework governing data processing. The session also saw the adoption of the organization’s Strategic Framework for 2026–2030, which will guide Interpol’s long-term priorities in the face of evolving global security challenges.
Leadership Changes and New Executive Appointments
In a significant leadership development, delegates elected French candidate Lucas Philippe as the new President of Interpol for a four-year term, succeeding Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi of the United Arab Emirates.
The General Assembly also voted in five new members of the Executive Committee, including a vice president representing Asia and delegates from Africa, Asia, and Europe, each serving a three-year mandate.
Hong Kong to be next host
During the closing ceremony, Morocco formally handed over the Interpol flag to representatives of Hong Kong/China, which will host the next General Assembly in 2026. The handover was conducted by Morocco’s Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, Abdellatif Hammouchi, in the presence of outgoing president Al-Raisi, newly elected president Philippe, Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, and members of the Executive Committee.
The ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials, including the Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, Mohamed Ben Ali Koman; Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita; Minister Delegate for the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa; Royal Gendarmerie Commander Lieutenant General Mohamed Haramou; Director General of Studies and Documentation Mohamed Yassine Mansouri; and Marrakech-Safi regional governor Khatib El Hebil.
A platform for hlobal police cooperation
As Interpol’s highest decision-making body, the General Assembly meets annually to examine global crime trends, set organizational policies, and determine mechanisms for international police cooperation. Resolutions adopted by member states guide the organization’s operational and financial programs for the coming years.
Founded in 1923, Interpol now includes 196 member countries and plays a central role in enabling police forces worldwide to share information, coordinate investigations, and confront cross-border security threats.
