Introduction
Interpol and Europol are intelligence agencies that have different functions. Interpol was created in 1914 and stands for International Criminal Police Organization, while Europol is an intelligence agency of the European Union.
Functions
Interpol’s main function is to facilitate cooperation among international police organizations. Europol, on the other hand, focuses on facilitating cooperation between the intelligence organizations of member countries.
Investigations
Interpol has the power to conduct investigations into various crimes such as genocide, terrorism, money laundering, and war crimes. Interpol officials can also make arrests in connection with these crimes. Europol, however, is not authorized to conduct investigations or question suspects. They can only provide support to other intelligence agencies in member countries.
Size and Membership
Interpol is a much larger organization compared to Europol. It has 178 independent nations and 14 sub-bureaus as members. Europol is limited to the member countries of the European Union.
Headquarters
Interpol has its headquarters in Lyon, France. Its official website receives a high number of page views every month.
Key Takeaways
1. Interpol and Europol have different functions and roles in international law enforcement.
2. Interpol is authorized to conduct criminal investigations and make arrests for crimes such as terrorism, money laundering, and genocide. Europol, on the other hand, supports intelligence agencies in member countries but does not have the authority to conduct investigations or make arrests.
3. Interpol is a much larger organization, with many more member countries, while Europol is specifically an intelligence agency of the European Union.
