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The Interpol presidency is in many ways a ceremonial position with little power to influence the issue of warrants. However, raising a Russian to such criticism would be a blow to Putin's public relations. It would also be a setback for international lawyers, who attributed to Interpol the measures taken in recent years to strengthen administrative controls.
"If you have an organization whose job is partly to ensure the safety of the chickens and the head of the organization – O.K., it does not do much, but it's a fox? It sends a message, "said Michelle Estlund, an American lawyer who follows Interpol and issues red notices. "They can say, do not worry, the fox does not really keep the hen house." But he is there. "
The President is chosen by the Interpol General Assembly, composed of delegates from its member countries. Each country gets one vote, there is no veto and the winner must have two thirds of the votes. According to former colleagues, Mr. Prokopchuk, currently Vice President, is considered well qualified and members are encouraged to vote for the individual and not for the country.
Mr. Prokopchuk, a university graduate who speaks six languages, does not fit the image that many foreigners – and many Russians – have towards Russian policemen like ruthless thugs. He speaks well, has a high level of education and has long advocated for closer cooperation between police services in Russia and the West.
US and European diplomats support Prokopchuk's main opponent, South Korean Kim Jong-yang. US officials said they would not discuss their efforts, saying the vote would be held in secret.
But Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein spoke this week at the Interpol conference and was targeting governments that offered safe haven for cybercriminals while trying to thwart the international system of mandate – criticisms made by the United States against Russia for years.
