Difference Between Interpol and CIA

Interpol vs CIA

Interpol and CIA are two intelligence agencies that carry out their investigation differently. Interpol is the shortened form of International Criminal Police Organization. On the other hand CIA stands for Central Intelligence Agency.

Interpol is an organization that carries out investigation relating to crimes committed across the globe. The crimes that are normally taken up by Interpol for investigation include murder, frauds committed on commercial institutions and financial institutions and the like. Interpol conducts investigation into the other types of crimes, especially those related to terrorism.

Interpol would work on the details available regarding the terrorists that include their photographs, nationality and the like. They would arrive at the best possible conclusions that establish the identity of the terrorists. They have their network worldwide and work with other intelligence agencies too.

Interpol was created in the year 1914 in a bid to promote mutual assistance among all police authorities within the limits of the law existing in the different countries. About 178 independent nations and 14 sub-bureaus or dependencies are registered with the Interpol. It is interesting to note that the headquarters of Interpol is stationed at Quai Charles de Gaulle in Lyon, France.

Interpol primarily focuses on public safety, terrorism, organized crime, crimes against humanity, drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, money laundering, child pornography, cyber crimes and the like. It is interesting to note that the Interpol public website receives an average of 2.2 million page visits every month.

CIA is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government. The CIA engages in covert activities at the request of the President of the United States. They report to the Director of National Intelligence, responsible for providing national security intelligence to senior United States policymakers.

The main function of the CIA is to collect information about foreign governments, corporations and individuals. Then they would advise the public policymakers accordingly. They are adept in conducting paramilitary actions and covert operations.