Forensics Research Articles

Morphometric analysis of the hard palate in sex estimation among koreans using three-dimensional computed tomography

Accurate sex estimation is crucial for comprehensive analysis of the biological profiles of unidentified human skeletal remains. However, there is a notable lack of research specifically addressing the morphometrics of the hard palate. Therefore, this study aimed to derive discriminant equations using the hard palate and assess their applicability for sexing partial skeletal remains in a contemporary Korean population. Statistical analyses were performed for 24 measurements derived from three-dimensional models of the hard palate, generated using computed tomography scans of 301 individuals (156 males, 145 females). Descriptive statistics revealed significant sexual dimorphism in the mean comparison of hard palate sizes between Korean males and females, with males exhibiting larger palates across all measurements (p < 0.05). Discriminant function score equations were generated to aid in sex determination. Univariate analysis yielded an accuracy range of 57.8–75.1%, whereas the stepwise method achieved an accuracy of 80.7% with five selected variables: IF-PNS, GFL-GFR, IF-GFR, Pr-EcL, and Pr-EnR. The results of this metric analysis demonstrate the usefulness of the hard palate for sex estimation in the contemporary Korean population. These findings have potential implications for forensic investigations, archeological studies, and population-specific anatomical research.

DNA methylation at AHRR as a master predictor of smoke exposure and a biomarker for sleep and exercise

BackgroundDNA methylation profiling may provide a more accurate measure of the smoking status than self-report and may be useful in guiding clinical interventions and forensic investigations. In the current study, blood DNA methylation profiles of nearly 800 Polish individuals were assayed using Illuminia EPIC and the inference of smoking from epigenetic data was explored. In addition, we focused on the role of the AHRR gene as a top marker for smoking and investigated its responsiveness to other lifestyle behaviors.ResultsWe found > 450 significant CpGs associated with cigarette consumption, and overrepresented in various biological functions including cell communication, response to stress, blood vessel development, cell death, and atherosclerosis. The model consisting of cg05575921 in AHRR (p = 4.5 × 10–32) and three additional CpGs (cg09594361, cg21322436 in CNTNAP2 and cg09842685) was able to predict smoking status with a high accuracy of AUC = 0.8 in the test set. Importantly, a gradual increase in the probability of smoking was observed, starting from occasional smokers to regular heavy smokers. Furthermore, former smokers displayed the intermediate DNA methylation profiles compared to current and never smokers, and thus our results indicate the potential reversibility of DNA methylation after smoking cessation. The AHRR played a key role in a predictive analysis, explaining 21.5% of the variation in smoking. In addition, the AHRR methylation was analyzed for association with other modifiable lifestyle factors, and showed significance for sleep and physical activity. We also showed that the epigenetic score for smoking was significantly correlated with most of the epigenetic clocks tested, except for two first-generation clocks.ConclusionsOur study suggests that a more rapid return to never-smoker methylation levels after smoking cessation may be achievable in people who change their lifestyle in terms of physical activity and sleep duration. As cigarette smoking has been implicated in the literature as a leading cause of epigenetic aging and AHRR appears to be modifiable by multiple exogenous factors, it emerges as a promising target for intervention and investment.

The impact of burnt carcass on the occurrence probability of Chrysomya albiceps and Lucilia ochricornis (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

We evaluated the impact of burnt carcasses on the probability of finding Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) and Lucilia ochricornis (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and the time it took for them to arrive at the experimental carcasss. These species are biological indicators of the postmortem interval (PMI) in forensic scenarios. Using stillborn pig carcasses, this study analysed how different degrees of burning affect the level of attraction and colonisation by these species. Experimental models were subjected to level 2 (CG2) and 4 (CG4) burning according to the Crow-Glassman (CG) scale, ranging from fresh to skeletonization. Generalised Linear Models (GLM) with a Binomial distribution were used to evaluate the influence of decomposition time and experimental treatment on the probability of occurrence of each species. Additionally, survival analyses with the Weibull distribution were used to investigate how long it takes until the arrival of the first fly species in each experimental group. The results indicate that burning affects the probability of occurrence and colonisation time of the studied fly species. Although both species were affected by high degrees of burning, Lucilia ochricornis was more heavily affected than Chrysomya albiceps. This pattern was reflected in the time it took for the first occurrence of each fly species. In both cases, it took longer for flies to arrive at carcasses that had been more severely burnt. In the case of C. albiceps, the longest mean time until a fly was detected (Weibull, α = 79.9 h) happened in the CG4 group, followed by the CG2 group (α = 65.6 h) and the control group (α = 51.5 h). In contrast, for L. ochricornis, the longest mean first occurrence time (α = 85.4 h) was in CG2 group, followed by the Control (α = 49.1 h) and CG4 (α = 54.4 h) groups. This study emphasises the importance of considering whether or not a carcass was burnt and its degree of burning in forensic investigations, given that this variable can influence the accuracy of PMI estimation in crime scenes.

Forensic Investigation of a Cracked Highway Embankment Pavement in Louisiana: A Case Study

Forensic Investigation of a Cracked Highway Embankment Pavement in Louisiana: A Case Study

Portable Miniature Mass Spectrometry for Enhanced On-Site Detection of Analytes in Complex Samples by Integrating Solid-Phase Microextraction and Nano-Electrospray Ionization.

On-site mass spectrometry (MS) analysis plays a crucial role in timely understanding chemical compositions of field samples but presents a challenge to miniaturization, portability, and sensitivity. In this work, a portable MS approach was developed by integrating biocompatible solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and a nano-electrospray ionization (nESI) emitter into a kit to couple miniature MS (mMS). The SPME fiber was used for on-site extractive sampling of analytes from complex liquid samples and living organisms and was then inserted into an nESI emitter for on-site MS analysis via the facile kit. The limit of detection was found to be at the pg/mL level for various compounds tested. Acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD) values (5.5-7.6%, n = 6) were obtained for direct measurement of analytes in complex matrixes; acceptable linear responses (0.1-50 ng/mL) and matrix effects (76.0-82.6%) were also found. Enhanced detection of compounds of interest in various real samples, such as food samples, human fluids, environmental water, and living organisms, was unambiguously demonstrated. Our experimental data showed that SPME-nESI-mMS is a promising tool for on-site analysis of various complex samples in significant applications including but not limited to food safety, environmental monitoring, forensic investigation, and bioanalysis.

Down the banking hole: Investigating the case of Slovenian banks

The aim of this paper is to analyse who was responsible for the deterioration of the Slovenian banking sector to such an extent that it was almost destroyed by the 2008 financial crisis, necessitating the consideration of an international bailout. A literature review focused specifically on reports from law enforcement agencies and commissions that investigated banking practices, complemented by a qualitative empirical study. In order to gain insight into the reasons why this situation unfolded, ten structured interviews were conducted. The interviewees included experts with experience in the fields of prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of economic crime, bad credit management, central banking, parliamentary committee management, forensic investigations, investigative journalism, and experts with academic knowledge in law and economics. Five different investigations explored the behaviour of banking sector actors before, during, and after the 2008 financial crisis. These investigations revealed behaviours ranging from negligence to criminal acts. The interviews indicated that the perpetrators were individuals of high social status with significant influence, explaining why people are often not willing to testify against them. On the detection and prosecution front, the main challenges were fears among criminal investigators, prosecutors, judges, and others of retaliation from superiors, job loss, and being publicly lambasted in the media.

Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius: Undercover agents in forensic investigations.

Insects have long played a role in forensic investigations and can be used to estimate minimum time since death, corpse translocation, and link an individual to a crime scene. Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are wingless ectoparasitic insects of potential forensic utility, given that all mobile life stages feed on vertebrate blood. Successful profiling of autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) from human DNA isolated from bed bugs has been previously reported. This proof-of-concept study looked to expand this work and determine any possible limitations of using bed bugs for both rapid stain identification (RSID™) for human blood and Y-STR profiling. To achieve this, bed bugs were fed either human male only or human pooled (female:male) blood for 30 min and subsequently collected at 12-h intervals up to 108 h post-blood meal (PBM). RSID™ blood testing was successful from the bed bug carcass remaining after DNA isolation, regardless of blood meal type and time of collection PBM. Complete Y-STR profiles were generated from bed bugs <60 h PBM. As the time PBM increased, DNA quantity decreased, while the degradation index increased. Collection of bed bugs at a crime scene could provide a valuable source of human blood for Y STR profiling and be used to link an individual to a crime scene or for potential male suspect exclusion. Future studies should look to replicate the results of this proof-of-concept study with larger numbers of bed bugs, more diverse blood donors, and additional STR profiling kits.

Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis of human nails: Implications for age determination in forensics.

A person's age estimation from biological evidence is a crucial aspect of forensic investigations, aiding in victim identification and criminal profiling. In this study, we present a novel approach of utilizing Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy to predict the age of donors based on nail samples. A diverse dataset comprising nails from donors spanning different age groups was analyzed using ATR FT-IR, with subsequent multivariate analysis techniques used for age prediction. The developed partial least squares regression (PLS-R) model demonstrated promising accuracy in age estimation, with a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) equal to 11.1 during external validation. Additionally, a partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) classification model achieved high accuracy of 88% in classifying donors into younger and older age groups during external validation. This proof-of-concept study highlights the potential of ATR FT-IR spectroscopy as a non-destructive and efficient tool for age estimation in forensic investigations, offering a new approach to forensic analysis with practical implications.

Development of a Rapid Detection Method for Ethylene Glycol and Glycolic Acid in Feline Samples: A Response to Increasing Antifreeze Poisoning Incidents in Korea

Recently, cases of antifreeze poisoning in companion animals, particularly cats, have surged in the Republic of Korea. Ethylene glycol (EG), the toxic primary component of antifreeze, is metabolized into glycolic acid (GA), leading to severe metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and death. Traditional detection methods, although effective, are often time-consuming owing to complex sample preparation. This study involved a novel analytical method utilizing GC-MS for EG and LC-MS/MS for GA detection, which streamlined the detection process by eliminating the need for derivatization. The method was validated for accuracy and reliability, enabling the rapid and precise identification of EG and GA in biological samples. This study also included the successful application of this method in a case where initial exposure to antifreeze was not apparent, which highlighted the effectiveness of this method in diagnosing poisoning even in cases where clinical history is unclear. The development of this rapid diagnostic approach addresses the urgent need for the efficient detection of antifreeze poisoning, improving animal welfare and supporting forensic investigations.

T2-weighted spoiled gradient echo MRI for forensic age estimation: a study on knee growth plates.

The timing of growth plate fusion is a key indicator for age estimation and is primarily used in forensic investigations. On the other hand, non-ionizing techniques such as MRI are being developed to provide safer and more ethical evaluations in forensic casework. This study aims to evaluate the closure process of growth plates in the distal femoral and proximal tibial epiphyses using Multiple Echo Recombined Gradient Echo (MERGE) MRI sequences and provide age estimation data based on staging methods for forensic purposes. We retrospectively analyzed 559 patients (294 males, 265 females, aged 8-25 years) diagnosed with trauma and knee pain at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital from 2016 to 2019. MRI scans were performed using a 1.5-T system with MERGE sequences and evaluated by two observers using a new staging system. Observer agreement was assessed using Cohen's κ test, yielding high agreement values (κ > 0.8). Positive correlations were found between age and ossification stages (p < 0.001). Minimum age thresholds for stages 5a and 5b of the distal femoral epiphysis were 16 and 18 years for females and 17 and 19 years for males, respectively. For the proximal tibial epiphysis, the minimum ages for stages 5a and 5b were 15 years for females and 17 years for males. The MERGE sequence provides a viable method for assessing skeletal maturity in living individuals with significant ethical advantages due to non-ionizing radiation. This study supports the potential application of the MERGE sequence in forensic age estimation, demonstrating high observer agreement and consistency. Future research should focus on comparing different sequences and populations to enhance the methodology's applicability.

Ongoing Work with Adult Skeletal Age Estimation

Improving adult age-at-death estimates using visible features of the human skeleton has been the subject of much research because such assessments are critical elements of forensic investigations and bioarchaeological studies. Beginning in 2014, a National Institute of Justice (NIJ)–funded research team developed a set of age-informative skeletal traits; collected reference data from collections in the United States, Portugal, Thailand, and South Africa; evaluated traits for their applicability; and developed alternative ways to generate age estimates from those traits. Here we present a comparison of two ways to produce age estimates: Stephen D. Ousley’s machine learning approach available as beta version computer software (TA3-ML) and an analytical procedure that originated with the version of transition analysis introduced two decades ago with different skeletal characteristics (TA3-TA). The two approaches are evaluated using the same 41 modern Portuguese and American skeletons. Both methods rely on NIJ-project skeletal data (TA3), but the number of traits used differs, as do reference sample sizes and compositions. Estimates generated through TA3-TA more closely approximate reported ages throughout adulthood than those from TA3-ML. Nevertheless, there remains a problem with underestimation in the TA3-TA approach, and neither method is ready for widespread implementation. Ongoing work is being directed toward resolving these issues by adjusting the mix of NIJ-project traits used in TA3-TA.

The application of GIS technology in building a multivariate taphonomic profile for improving PMI estimations in Greece.

Environmental conditions highly affect decomposition rates and therefore a forensic practitioner should consider context-specific information when estimating the post mortem interval (PMI). Traditional methods of collecting environmental data, however, are time-consuming and often impractical for large-scale studies or routine forensic investigations. This study developed an automated computer method by employing the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) and Python programming language to provide contextual information for bodies found outdoors in Greece. The generated coding script underwent testing on 95 bodies in various stages of decomposition, which were examined between the years 1999 and 2022 at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Forensic Medical Service of Thessaloniki. Using ArcGIS Pro software and publicly available online data, a multilayer map was developed. Individual layers included high-resolution aerial images and data on the European Nature Information System ecosystem type, the Köppen-Geiger climatic type, the population density, the elevation, and the slope. Additionally, 99 national weather stations and their corresponding meteorological data were integrated. By leveraging the geographical coordinates of the recovery site of each case and information about the decedent's disappearance and recovery dates, this script automatically generates details from each of the above layers. Additionally, it calculates the accumulated degree days (ADD) and accumulated humidity days (AHD) values by extracting data from the nearest weather station. The GIS-based approach enables rapid, objective, and reproducible taphonomic profile construction, which can greatly improve the reliability of PMI estimations. By utilizing this method, forensic practitioners can accurately evaluate environmental effects on decomposition, thus standardizing taphonomic profiling globally.

A preliminary study on detecting human DNA in aquatic environments: Potential of eDNA in forensics

Human environmental DNA (eDNA) application have not been fully applied or adequately considered in the fields of eDNA and forensics. Nonetheless, this technique holds great potential as a complementary tool for detecting human DNA in aquatic environments, particularly in cases involving crimes connect to such environments. However, the detectability or stability of eDNA can vary depending on several factors. Therefore, this preliminary study investigates the detection and degradation rates of human eDNA, as well as the recovery of nuclear short tandem repeat (STR) profiles and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, using water samples from both saltwater and freshwater sources. To conduct the experiment, whole human blood was spiked into the water samples. Water samples were then filtered using a 5 µm pore size filter, and samples were collected at various time intervals up to 23 days. A human specific qPCR assay targeting HV1 region of human mtDNA was used to detect human eDNA. Results demonstrated that human eDNA remains detectable for up to 36 hours in freshwater samples and up 84 hours in saltwater samples. The limit of detection (LOD) of human eDNA, (205 copies/µl), was achieved after 60 hours in freshwater and 180 hours in saltwater samples. Partial STR profiles could be recovered up to 24 hours for freshwater and saltwater. Results from mtDNA sequencing indicate that full mtDNA profiles could be recovered from freshwater samples up to 48 hours and remained detectable up to 72 hours in saltwater. Overall, the findings of this study underscore the importance of considering and incorporating human eDNA analysis as a valuable tool in forensic practice. By harnessing the power of eDNA, law enforcement agencies can enhance their investigation capabilities, improve the accuracy of forensic reconstructions, and ultimately contribute to the resolution of cases involving aquatic environments. Further research and validation are needed to optimize and expand the utilization of eDNA techniques in forensic investigations.

Comparative Analysis of Drowning Index: Relevance in Drowning Deaths versus Non-Drowning Asphyxial Deaths

Drowning remains a significant cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating accurate diagnostic tools for forensic investigation. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of the Drowning Index (DI) to ascertain its relevance in distinguishing drowning deaths from non-drowning asphyxial deaths. Drowning deaths present a challenge for forensic pathologists, because the autopsy findings may occur in many non-drowning scenarios. Previous studies have attempted to identify patterns in organ weights that may be specific for drowning. The drowning index has been defined as the weight ratio of the lungs and pleural effusion fluid to the spleen. We compared the lung and pleural effusion weight, spleen weight, and DI from 124 autopsies of asphyxia deaths including both drowning deaths and non-drowning asphyxia deaths such as hanging, strangulation, suffocation and mechanical asphyxia at the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at the Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal from January 2021 to August 2022. Findings highlight the potential utility of the DI as a valuable adjunctive tool in forensic investigations, providing insights into its comparative efficacy in differentiating drowning from other modes of asphyxial deaths. Such insights are critical for enhancing accuracy in forensic diagnoses and contributing to advancements in medicolegal death investigations.

“What you say in the lab, stays in the lab”: A reflexive thematic analysis of current challenges and future directions of digital forensic investigations in the UK

Despite digital evidence nowadays playing a major role in criminal investigations and being intrinsic to almost every criminal trial, research in digital forensics (DF) and national approaches to digital evidence in relation to investigating officers and court personnel remain almost non-existent. This research seeks to remedy this issue by qualitatively examining the accounts and experiences of 16 digital forensic investigators (DFIs) in England and Wales who took part in semi-structured interviews. We analyzed the data using a reflexive thematic analysis and identified four overarching themes: (i) Navigating tensions with investigating officers (that has a subtheme of ‘Tensions with legal professionals and challenges navigating court theatrics’) (ii) The psychological, emotional, and existential challenges confronted by DFIs; (iii) Identifying the potential and pitfalls of automation and AI in DF and (iv) The centrality of academia in the advancement of DF (that has a subtheme of ‘Validation of tools as a crucial step in digital forensics’). These new findings reveal that DFIs encounter significant demands to perform well and are continuously overburdened while juggling many roles. This research serves as a pivotal starting point for broader discussions.

Estimation of Stature from Percutaneous Upper Limb Measurements in the North Indian Population

Background: In the field of forensic anthropology, stature estimation plays an important role in the identification of unknown dismembered bodies and skeletal remains. When forensic experts find body parts during a police investigation, their first task is to determine the age, sex, and height of the person. They assist law enforcement by using scientific methods in criminal cases. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the city. Measurements were taken on both the left and right sides of all males. The sample size was 563 individuals aged between 20 and 40 years. Accurate measurements of five upper extremities and stature were measured with the help of an Anthropometer and Sliding calliper. Results: The correlation observed between stature and upper limb showed varying degrees of correlation, ranging from moderate to strong 0.315 to 0.859. The precision of these equations was established by the obtained correlation value, where a greater correlation nearest to 1 indicated the highest significance. Conclusion: This research addresses a critical gap by focusing on the upper extremities in a contemporary Central Indian population. Developing stature estimation models from specific body parts not only advances anthropological research but also aids forensic investigations, especially in warm climates like Uttar Pradesh.

A Forensic Investigation of Climate Model Biases in Teleconnections: The Case of the Relationship Between ENSO and the Northern Stratospheric Polar Vortex

AbstractTeleconnections are crucial in shaping climate variability and regional climate change. The fidelity of teleconnections in climate models is important for reliable climate projections. As the observed sample size is limited, scientific judgment is required when models disagree with observed teleconnections. We illustrate this using the example of the relationship between El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the northern stratospheric polar vortex (SPV), where the MIROC6 large ensemble exhibits an ENSO‐SPV correlation opposite in sign to observations. Yet the model well captures the upward planetary‐wave propagation pathway through which ENSO is known to affect the SPV. We show that the discrepancy arises from the model showing an additional linkage related to horizontal stratospheric wave propagation. Observations do not provide strong statistical evidence for or against the existence of this linkage. Thus, depending on the research purpose, a choice has to be made in how to use the model simulations. Under the assumption that the additional linkage is spurious, a physically‐based bias adjustment is applied to the SPV, which effectively aligns the modeled ENSO‐SPV relationship with the observations, and thereby removes the model‐observations discrepancy in the surface air temperature response. However, if one believed that the additional linkage was genuine and was undersampled in the observations, a different approach could be taken. Our study emphasizes that caution is needed when concluding that a model is not suitable for studying teleconnections. We propose a forensic approach and argue that it helps to better understand model performance and utilize climate model data more effectively.

A Survey on Mobile Digital Forensic: Taxonomy, Tools, and Challenges

ABSTRACTModern time largely rely on mobile gadgets as a means of communication, and entertainment. These gadgets now plays a vital role in forensic analysis and criminal investigations as it store a plethora of private and sensitive data. Investigating feasible digital incidents and preserving mobile device security became crucial as the proliferation of mobile devices continues to influence modern society. In this survey; mobile threats, investigative process models for mobile forensics, evidence sources, forensics tools, and field problems are all covered in‐depth. Further, a comprehensive analysis examining the capabilities, features, and efficiency of available distinct mobile forensic tools namely Belkasoft, MOBILedit, and Magnet AXIOM for retrieving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence is being presented. The objective of the study is to assist forensic investigators in choosing the best tool for specific investigations. The findings of our study reveals the complexity of mobile operating systems, investigative process supported with sources of evidence, and forensic tools which makes it clear that the area of mobile forensics is dynamic and require modern skill adaptation along and innovative development in future. Finally, the study presents current challenges encountered during mobile forensic investigations as researchers can enhance their procedures and tactics for mobile device examination and evidence extraction by fostering a greater knowledge of the difficulties involved in mobile forensics.

A preliminary study on decomposition and seasonality of insect succession of decomposing rabbit carcasses at El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

BackgroundStudying insect succession on carcasses is important in estimating the postmortem interval. This study aims to identify the decomposition stages of decomposing rabbit carcasses and to find out the relationship between seasonal variations and abundance of insects colonizing rabbit carcasses at El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.MethodsThree domestic rabbits (weighing 1300 g each) were killed by a sharp knife. The carcasses were exposed to the sun, left to decompose and inspected twice daily at 6-h intervals to collect insects. Maggots were collected and reared.ResultsThe rabbit carcasses underwent four decomposition stages: fresh, bloat, decay and dry stages. The identified families and their respective collected species included three dipteran families: Calliphoridae (Lucilia sericata, Chrysomya megacephala, and Chrysomya albiceps), Sarcophagidae (Sarcophaga argyrostoma) and Muscidae (Musca domestica and Synthesiomyia nudiseta), three coleopteran families. Histeridae (Saprinus semistriatus), Cleridae (Necrobia rufipes) and Dermestidae (Dermestes frischii and Attagenus gloriosus) and three hymenopteran families: Chalcididae (Brachymeria femorata), Vespidae (Vespa orientalis) and Formicidae (Monomorium sp.). Carrion fauna was dominated by dipteran and coleopteran species, with calliphorid and sarcophagid flies found to play a significant role in carrion consumption process.ConclusionThe succession pattern and decomposition rate were season dependent. The information collected may help establish the basic database for entomological forensic investigations in the future.Graphical abstract

Decoding digital interactions: An extensive study of TeamViewer's Forensic Artifacts across Windows and android platforms

The pervasive influence of digital technology has ushered in a new era of connectivity, reshaping the landscape of forensic science and challenging investigators to adapt to evolving methods of digital interaction. Remote access applications (RAAs) like TeamViewer have become integral tools for facilitating remote collaboration and support across various platforms. However, the widespread adoption of such applications has also led to an increase in cybercrimes, underscoring the critical need for meticulous forensic analysis. This study presents a comprehensive examination of TeamViewer's forensic artifacts across Windows and Android platforms, employing advanced forensic techniques such as registry analysis, disk forensics, memory forensics, and Android forensics. By meticulously dissecting digital evidence and uncovering valuable insights into user interactions, configuration settings, and session dynamics, this research aims to enhance understanding of remote access activities and empower forensic investigators with the tools needed to combat cybercrimes effectively. The findings highlight the forensic significance of each investigative approach and underscore the importance of continuous innovation in the field of digital forensics.