International Criminal.

Crime Doesn't Respect Borders

Your candidate's squeaky-clean US record might not tell the whole story. That "international experience" on their resume could include more than just professional development. CIChecked's international criminal searches uncover serious offenses from all six continents—because global talent sometimes comes with global baggage.

What International Searches Actually Reveal:

• Felony-Level Offenses: Serious crimes comparable to US felonies from countries worldwide
• Provincial & Federal Records: Multi-tier searches covering local, provincial, and federal court systems
• Misdemeanor Inclusions: Lesser offenses when available in specific countries (typically 7-10 years of history)
• Six-Continent Coverage: Criminal records from Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and beyond

Extended Turnaround for Global Complexity: International searches require 5-15 business days, depending on the country and court system complexity. Some records require physical courthouse visits by local investigators, while others involve navigating bureaucratic systems that make the DMV look efficient.

The Reality of Global Criminal Records

Here's what most employers don't realize: international court systems make US county courts look like digital marvels. Many countries still maintain manual filing systems, requiring local investigators to physically travel to remote courthouses and dig through paper archives. It's not Amazon Prime delivery—it's investigative archaeology.

Most countries operate three levels of courts: local/district, provincial, and federal. We start at the district level, where most criminal activity gets processed, then expand to provincial and federal levels as needed. Think of it as criminal screening with a passport—comprehensive but complex.

Reading International Red Flags: International felony convictions typically disqualify candidates due to their serious nature and the effort required to commit crimes across borders. Financial crimes abroad raise questions about international fraud schemes, while violent crimes indicate concerning behavior patterns that transcend geography.

Compliance Across Continents

Our international vendors work directly with the FTC and US Department of State to ensure compliance with international access and privacy laws. Every search navigates complex data protection regulations while maintaining FCRA compliance for US employers—because legal trouble shouldn't come with your background check.

The Global Hiring Reality

With remote work and international talent pools expanding, employers can't afford to ignore international criminal history. That candidate with "extensive European experience" might have serious convictions that would disqualify them domestically, but you'll never know without proper international screening.

Focus on countries where candidates have lived or worked for extended periods in the past 7-10 years. Short vacation visits don't warrant international searches, but multi-year residencies or work assignments definitely do. It's about balancing thoroughness with practicality.

Bottom Line: International criminal searches are essential for candidates with significant foreign experience. Don't let geographical boundaries create blind spots in your screening program—global talent deserves global verification.