Interpol stands for the International Criminal Police Organization, which is an inter-governmental organization that facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control. It is the worlds largest international police organization, with 195 member countries. Interpol provides investigative support, expertise, and training to law enforcement worldwide, focusing on three major areas of transnational crime: terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime. Its broad mandate covers virtually every kind of crime, including crimes against humanity, child pornography, drug trafficking and production, political corruption, intellectual property infringement, as well as white-collar crime.

Interpols General Secretariat coordinates its day-to-day activities to fight a range of crimes. It is staffed by both police and civilians and comprises a headquarters in Lyon, a global complex for innovation in Singapore, and several satellite offices in different regions. In each country, an Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) provides the central point of contact for the General Secretariat and other NCBs. An NCB is run by national police officials and usually sits in the government ministry responsible for policing. The General Assembly is Interpols governing body, and it brings all countries together once a year to take decisions.

Interpols role is to enable police in its member countries to work together to fight international crime. It provides a range of policing expertise and capabilities, supporting three main crime programs: Counter-terrorism, Cybercrime, and Organized and emerging crime. Interpol does not have executive powers, so Interpol officials do not arrest suspects or act without the approval of national authorities. In this regard, Interpol is more of an administrative body than an executive body. Interpol provides tools and support to its member states, which can help the national authorities fight transborder crime.