The magic behind forensics
How Dubai Police identified a body that was missing head and limbs
DUBAI // Identifying a woman from just her torso would seem to be an impossible task. There are no fingerprints or eyes to scan, and no teeth to check against dental records.
But in a feat of forensic magic, a Dubai Police team identified the Filipina whose trunk was found last year, leading to the arrest of a relative who was charged with killing her over a Dh10,000 debt.
The team began by cross-checking DNA from the body with that of 9,750 absconded maids to find a match. The painstaking work took three months but eventually staff found a match.
From there they identified their suspect, who was arrested in his home in Abu Hail in September last year.
“From crime scenes to courtroom, forensics play a vital role in detecting hidden clues to catch criminals,” said Maj Gen Khalil Al Mansouri, assistant commander-in-chief of Dubai Police CID, as he announced the first Emirates Forensic Conference.
Another case involved a body found burning near a warehouse in October last year. After extensive forensic research, police identified the victim and charged his wife and her lover.
The conference, starting next Sunday at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, aims to give students and professionals an opportunity to learn about forensic science and share information that can lead to such cases being solved.
“The Emirates Forensic Conference will form an international scientific platform where experts in forensic sciences and criminology will discuss the most recent technology and research in the field,” said Gen Al Mansouri. Maj Gen Ahmad Al Mansouri, director general of the forensic science and criminology department, said: “A total of 44 international scientific councils will take part in the forensic conference.
“The event will also motivate young and creative minds to improve their skills and participate. University students are invited to participate in the conference to share their knowledge about forensic science.”
Dr Fouad Tarbah, director of training in research and development at Dubai Police, said many different subjects would be covered at the conference.
“Among the topics that will be discussed are forensic and genetics cases, criminal dentistry and criminal chemistry,” said Dr Tarbah.
Biological sciences, DNA and genetics, forensic toxicology, nuclear physics, digital crimes science, computer crimes, cyber crimes and counterfeiting will also be discussed and analysed, he said. “A new course on forensic science and criminology has been introduced by the American University of Sharjah to encourage students to learn more about criminology and attract young scientists,” said Dr Tarbah. Col Ahmad Al Muhairi, an expert in forensic science and criminology, said: “Cyber crimes have been on the rise. Therefore, police officials are looking for more innovative forensic methods to curb this phenomenon.
“The forensic conference is one of the first international forums that give young people the opportunity to innovate and show their skills globally.”
For more information on the conference, visit emiratesforensic.ae.