The fight against international crime and terrorism often hinges on the ability of law enforcement to track and verify travel and identity documents. INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database plays a pivotal role in this effort, offering a robust tool to intercept and apprehend criminals and terrorists who attempt to cross borders using fraudulent documents.
An overview of the SLTD Database
The SLTD database is a comprehensive repository containing information on travel and identity documents that have been reported as stolen, lost, revoked, invalid, or stolen blank. As of the latest data, the SLTD houses approximately 99 million records. This extensive database enables law enforcement officers worldwide to verify the authenticity of a travel or identity document within seconds.
In 2021, the database was queried 1.7 billion times by officials across the globe, leading to 146,000 positive matches, or “hits.” These hits represent instances where a document was flagged as compromised, allowing authorities to take appropriate action.
How the SLTD Database operates
Countries contribute to the SLTD database by submitting records of compromised documents. Only the issuing country can add a document to the database, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the records. This submission is managed by INTERPOL National Central Bureaus or other authorised law enforcement agencies.
Law enforcement officials at critical points such as airports and border crossings use the SLTD database to check the passports of individuals traveling internationally. By cross-referencing a travel document against the database, officers can instantly determine if the document has been reported as lost or stolen and can take necessary actions to prevent illegal entry or travel.
Access to the SLTD database is facilitated through INTERPOL’s secure global police communication system, known as I-24/7. This ensures that law enforcement agencies around the world have real-time access to crucial information.
I-Checkit: Extending security beyond borders
To further enhance security and intercept criminals before they reach border checkpoints, INTERPOL has developed I-Checkit. This initiative allows trusted partners in the private sector, such as airlines and travel agencies, to screen travel documents against the SLTD database at the point of ticket booking.
When a travel document generates a positive hit, the information is relayed to law enforcement, enabling preemptive actions to be taken. I-Checkit thus acts as an early warning system, stopping criminals and terrorists long before they can reach an airport or border crossing.
Advice for travelers
Travelers are advised against attempting to use documents reported as lost or stolen. Once a travel document is declared lost or stolen to national authorities, it is cancelled and rendered invalid. Attempting to travel with such a document will result in denial of entry or boarding, and the document will be seized to prevent future misuse.
By adhering to these guidelines, travelers can avoid disruptions to their travel plans and contribute to global security efforts.
Key takeaways
INTERPOL’s SLTD database and the I-Checkit initiative are vital components in the global effort to combat crime and terrorism. By ensuring that travel and identity documents are valid and uncompromised, INTERPOL helps protect borders, uphold the rule of law, and enhance the safety and security of international travel.
