Russia's Internal Affairs Ministry says it has limited the authority of Interpol, the world's leading international law enforcement organization. The decision was implemented in March but disclosed only on August 17. Under the move, Interpol will only be allowed to carry out operations in Russia that are approved by the ministry. Lawmakers in February called Interpol's actions "unfriendly" and raised concerns over what they alleged was espionage through their access to Russian databases. Interpol, operates in 195 countries, focuses on tackling global crime, terrorism, organized and financial crime. Russia joined Interpol in 1990. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Russian Service, click here.
