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1. Insofar as is necessary in order for Europol to perform its tasks, Europol may receive and process information originating from private persons. Personal data originating from private persons shall only be processed by Europol provided that they are received via:

(a) a national unit in accordance with national law;

(b) the contact point of a third country or an international organisation pursuant to Article 25(1), point (c); or (c) an authority of a third country or an international organisation as referred to in Article 25(1), point (a) or (b), or in Article 25(4a).

2. Where Europol receives information, including personal data, from a private person residing in a third country other than that referred to in Article 25(1), points (a) or (b), or in Article 25(4a), Europol shall forward that information only to a Member State or to such third country.

3. If the personal data received affect the interests of a Member State, Europol shall immediately inform the national unit of the Member State concerned.

4. Europol shall not contact private persons to retrieve information.

5. Without prejudice to Articles 36 and 37, Europol may not transfer personal data to private persons.