Forensic Methods Research Articles

MFCC-based Audio Quality Classification Method for Forensics

MFCC-based Audio Quality Classification Method for Forensics

A survey on digital image forensic methods based on blind forgery detection

A survey on digital image forensic methods based on blind forgery detection

Digital Forensics in Modern Society: Exploring Investigations of Computer Crimes in the Context of the Russian Federation's Criminal Code

In this work, the authors raise the issue of the need to use and improve digital forensics methods in the investigation of various types of computer crimes. The goals and features of digital forensics are considered, as well as special operational-search activities are identified that are related to the specifics technical equipment and are necessary when investigating computer crimes. Almost every science has developed its own understanding of information and studied its various forms and aspects. In the 20th century, a new type of information appeared - information circulating in computers, and subsequently, in other information technology devices. However despite the fact that more than 7 decades have passed since the appearance of the first computer (we believe that the first computer can be considered the British Colossus, launched in 1943), and from the theoretical justification of developments in the field of computers and computer information even more time (the theory was laid down by Charles Babbage in 1830), even a generally accepted term that reflects the essence of this information, as well as a universal approach to the interpretation of the category under consideration. The life of modern society is difficult to imagine without the use of computer equipment, smartphones, tablets, as well as provided such devices for accessing the virtual space of the Internet, social networks, online stores, services provided remotely. However, all the advantages and advantages of the era of widespread digitalization are accompanied by the emergence of criminal activity in this new environment of human existence. This, in turn, causes the need for active research into its specifics and use of the results obtained in law enforcement. Recently it has become quite firmly established and developed as a relatively independent, but organically closely related, based and inseparable from the science of criminology, a direction called digital forensics.

Simulation tools for improvement of the fission track analysis method for nuclear forensics

Simulation tools for improvement of the fission track analysis method for nuclear forensics

Integrating Temperature Data with Other Forensic Methods for Time Since Death Estimation

To reliably calculate the time since death is most important for investigating officers in all unnatural deathcases. Reliability of the study can be obtained only when potential influencing factors are considered during the calculation of time since death. One of the methods used for calculating the time since death is based on the cooling of the body. Cooling of the body is influenced by various internal as well as external factors. There are various body temperature-based methods in practice (Henssge’s rectal nomogram, Henssge’s brain nomogram, and Baccino’s both interval and global formulae based on ear temperature) to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI). The rectum has been traditionally used to determine the central core temperature after death, though the external auditory canal has been proposed as an alternative site. According to published research, techniques based on ear temperature are just as trustworthy as those based on rectal temperature for determining the early PMI and may be employed as rapid, easy, and non-invasive procedures on the scene. It is vital to keep in mind that other aspects such as rigor mortis, lividity, and decomposition must also be taken into account to achieve a more accurate estimate, even if calculating the time since death based on the cooling of the corpse might be informative.Aim: The goal of this study is to thoroughly examine some of the available approaches, compare the accuracy of the results, and determine which method is more accurate (reliable) at estimating the time of death.Methods: It was decided to evaluate some of the earlier research’ published works from different publications and databases. A digital database was searched. Picks were made at random from the studies that were thought to be pertinent to the present goal.Result: Therefore, in addition to the body’s cooling rate, other factors like post-mortem lividity, rigor mortis,chemical changes in the body, and mechanical and electrical excitability of the skeletal muscles, are crucial for a more accurate prediction of the time of death.Conclusion: It is usually advisable to take into account additional factors in addition to the algor mortis-based one when determining the time since death so that a more exact and trustworthy time of death can assist the investigating officer in more precisely resolving medico-legal matters.

METHODOLOGY OF FORENSIC PREVENTION OF CRIMES AGAINST THE FOUNDATIONS OF NATIONAL SECURITY

Abstract. In the provisions of the scientific article, the authors conduct a scientific study and formulate scientific theoretical provisions in the field of forensic science on the concept of the methodology of forensic prevention of crimes against the foundations of national security, its sources, techniques, special methods, forms and purposes of application of the methodology of forensic prevention of crimes against the foundations of national security. On this basis, the authors propose to fix in the theoretical provisions of the science of forensics such a definition as the methodology of forensic prevention of crimes against the foundations of national security, to form the subject matter of the methodology of forensic prevention of crimes against the foundations of national security, to determine in what aspects the methodology of forensic prevention of crimes against the foundations of national security is considered, its theoretical and practical significance, types, forms, levels, subjects and objects of the methodology of forensic prevention of crimes against the foundations of national security and to characterise the features of forensic prevention of crimes against the foundations of national security. The authors define that the subject of forensic prevention of crimes in general and against national security in particular is scientific provisions and practical recommendations on technical and forensic means, techniques and methods of detecting, recording and investigating criminogenic circumstances, tactical methods and means of their most effective detection and elimination, as well as prevention and suppression of crimes and forensic methods or systems of techniques for detecting and eliminating the causes and conditions of crime, as well as suppression and prevention of crime. As a conclusion, the authors propose to adopt the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention of Criminal Offences”, which would contain general directions, forms, methods of preventive activities in relation to criminal offences, define the range of participants in these activities, their legal status, scope of activity, and criteria for assessing the effectiveness of work. This law will become a procedurally enshrined “tools” for the prevention of crimes in general and crimes against the foundations of national security in particular.

Analisis Forensik Pada Instagram dan Tik Tok Dalam Mendapatkan Bukti Digital Dengan Menggunakan Metode NIST 800-86

Crime is currently increasing with the development of this smartphone, one of which is the crime of using social media. Instagram and Tik Tok are one of the most widely used social media applications in this era. The more users of this social media, it does not rule out the emergence of crimes against fellow users of this social media. Every activity carried out on social media, including criminal acts, leaves evidence or digital traces; whether deleted or not, all will be visible. Digital forensics is the study of how to obtain digital evidence obtained from digital devices. This study aims to determine the process of finding digital evidence on Instagram and Tik Tok social media applications that are accessed via smartphones using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) method. The stages in this digital forensic method include Collection, Examination, Analysis, and Reporting to obtain digital evidence on Instagram and TikTok using tools in the form of third-party software, namely MOBILedit Forensic Express, Autopsy, and FTK Imager tools. With the final result for the Instagram application tools, MOBILedit Forensic Express is able to acquire evidence with a percentage of 0.02%, for autopsy tools at 40%, and FTK Imager with a percentage of 57%. In the Tiktok application itself, MOBILedit Forensic Express gets a percentage of 27%, while an autopsy is 29%, and the last is the FTK Imager tool with a percentage of 71%. In this study, the FTK Imager tool is superior in the acquisition of evidence between the two tools.

Forensic Engineering: The Investigation of The Causes of Asymmetry Trailing Edge Flap During The Aircraft Boeing 737 Landing.

Forensic engineering is the application of engineering principles and methodology to answer questions of fact. These questions of fact are usually associated with accidents, crimes, catastrophic events, property degradation, and various types of failures. This research discusses a serious incident that occurred on a Boeing 737-300F aircraft operated by The XYZ airline which operates unscheduled domestic flights in Indonesia, with a flight route from Jakarta Soekarno International Airport (CGK) to Samsoedin Noor International Airport Banjarmasin (BDJ). When the plane was about to land, and the pilot operated the flaps from the 30o position to the 40o position, there was an asymmetry between the left and right flap trailing edges of more than 20o, which caused the plane to become unstable because it rolled to the left, and the pilot was unable to control the plane when landing, which causing a serious incident on the plane. This research aims to find the root cause of trailing edge flap asymmetry of more than 20o as an evaluation for companies in determining and implementing corrective and preventive actions so that this problem does not happen again in the future. This research will use forensic engineering investigation methods and carry out chemical composition testing (Optical Emission Spectroscopy); metallographic testing (micro and macro structure observations); FESEM testing and microchemical composition testing (EDS); and hardness testing. Then for each test result an analysis is carried out based on scientific knowledge. The results of the investigative analysis were to find the root cause of the trailing edge flap asymmetry problem of more than 20o. After getting the root cause of each method, the author then compares the results of one method with another method to draw conclusions to consider and determine corrective and preventive actions to be taken and implemented in the company or organization.

Assessment of environmental forensic indicator for anthropogenic groundwater contamination via target/suspect/nontarget analysis using HRMS techniques

This study compared target/suspect/nontarget analysis via liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) with traditional environmental forensic methods, specifically nitrate and its stable N isotope, in assessing groundwater pollution from livestock manure and agriculture. Using an in-house database of 1471 target and suspects, 35 contaminants (pesticides, veterinary drugs, surfactants) were identified, some uniquely linked to specific pollution sources, such as sulfamethazine and 4-formylaminoantipyrine in manure-affected areas. Pesticides were widespread, typically showing higher intensity in agricultural zones. On the other hand, the results of stable N isotope analysis (δ15N-NO3: 4.8 to 16.4‰) indicated the influence of human activities such as fertilizers, sewage, and manure in all sampling sites, including the control site far from the pollution sources and cannot differentiate the specific sources. The study underscores LC-HRMS's efficacy in different pollution sources, surpassing the limitations of stable N isotope analysis, and provides valuable insights for polluted groundwater source tracking strategies.

Izazivanje latentnih tragova papilarnih linija metodom elektrohemijske depozicije nikla na mesingu

Introduction/purpose of the research: Latent fingermarks can be found on the crime scene on various surfaces and made visible by different forensic methods. As this evidence can often be found on brass surfaces (ammunition casings, decorative items, etc.) the paper discusses the possibilities of applying electrochemical deposition of nickel on brass. The condition for the application of this technique is the existence of a conductive substrate. Fatty components of latent fingermarks have insulating properties and prevent the electrodeposition process. Methods: Experimental thin rectangular pieces of brass foil were used as substrates for latent fingermarks. Samples were degreased in acetone and ethyl alcohol, rinsed in deionized water, and dried in a stream of compressed air before leaving the fingermarks. To enhance the presence of sweat on friction ridges, the hand was placed in the silicone glove for five minutes. A slight touch of the index finger was left on the tiles. Fingermarks were developed on brass samples by fingerprint powder and the electrochemical deposition of nickel on another brass surface simultaneously. In order to obtain the best possible evidence, the parameters affecting the deposition rate (current density, deposition time) were changed until a clear fingermark was obtained. Results: The fingermarks were compared visually using a magnifying glass with illumination to observe the contrast between the papillary lines and the interpapillary space and the characteristic details (minutiae). The optimal results were achieved with the current density (deposition rate) of 50mA/cm2 for 10s. Conclusion: Electrochemical deposition of nickel on brass is an applicable technique for developing latent fingermarks with certain limitations.

The Use of Forensic Evidences in Investigations and Prosecution in International Criminal Proceedings. Case Study of International Criminal Court (ICC)

From 1990s, a rising number of international and hybrid criminal tribunals and since 2002, the International Criminal Court have conducted various investigations on international crimes including crime against humanity, genocide and war crimes in various countries worldwide. These judicial organs have repeatedly relied upon witness’s testimonies, information and assistance from a wide variety of sources including governments, journalists, peacekeepers, human rights researchers and intelligence specialists and few forensic scientists, wherein some of these information and reports were driven by politics. Even though such information were very benefitting “there have also been many mishaps, misunderstandings in terms of differentiating information and evidence and missed opportunities in view of finding out the truth in way that information that could potentially have been of great use to criminal cases was lost or was collected or preserved in a manner that made it unusable at trial.” In today’s era, where there is a remarkable technological development in forensic science, it is time to use forensic methods in investigation of international crimes since a number of scientific and technological advances have improved the ability to document large-scale crimes with efficiency and precision. Yet, only in recent years have international criminal courts and other fact-finding institutions begun to embrace these innovations. There is a need of forensic science in investigating and prosecuting offenders of atrocities than traditional use of testimonies which are not easy to be relied on but still some legal and administrative issues still hinder the successful use of forensic evidences in investigating and prosecuting in international criminal proceedings. The present research focused on the practical use of forensic evidences like; pathology and DNA in exhumation of mass grave for determination of cause, manner and mechanism of death but to locate, excavate and exhume mass graves to produce forensic evidences of atrocities and to returning victims to loved ones and also discussed as tools for justice, humanitarian and documentation.The research also revealed the problems which are not only limited to the legal challenges of insufficiency of forensic evidence admissibility regulations and their maintenance of chain of custody, but also there are administrative issues like, lack of fund to be used during forensic investigation activities including, crime scene examination, collection of evidence and laboratory International Journal of Forensic Sciences 2 Thierry MB and Fred K. The Use of Forensic Evidences in Investigations and Prosecution in International Criminal Proceedings. Case Study of International Criminal Court (ICC). Int J Forens Sci 2024, 9(2): 000380. Copyright© Thierry MB and Fred K. examination of forensic evidence and all these can lead to unnecessary complications and prolongation criminal proceedings in international criminal court hence breach of fair trial principle. Finally, the research proposed reforms by establishing specific regulations related to the admissibility of forensic evidences in international criminal proceedings and chain of custody of forensic evidences as well as harmonizing the standard operating procedure of forensic investigation to regulate scientific investigation activities including, Crime Scene Management, Evidence Collection, Examination of forensic evidences and forensic expert report writing in investigation and prosecution of international criminal proceeding and also detailed mandate to solve administrative issues.

With a Little Help From the Crowd: Estimating Election Fraud with Forensic Methods

With a Little Help From the Crowd: Estimating Election Fraud with Forensic Methods

Demonstrative Evidence and the Use of Algorithms in Jury Trials

We investigate how the use of bullet comparison algorithms and demonstrative evidence may affect juror perceptions of reliability, credibility, and understanding of expert witnesses and presented evidence. The use of statistical methods in forensic science is motivated by a lack of scientific validity and error rate issues present in many forensic analysis methods. We explore what our study says about how this type of forensic evidence is perceived in the courtroom – where individuals unfamiliar with advanced statistical methods are asked to evaluate results in order to assess guilt. In the course of our initial study, we found that individuals overwhelmingly provided high Likert scale ratings in reliability, credibility, and scientificity regardless of experimental condition. This discovery of scale compression - where responses are limited to a few values on a larger scale, despite experimental manipulations - limits statistical modeling but provides opportunities for new experimental manipulations which may improve future studies in this area.

The Doppelgänger effect? A comparative study of forensic facial depiction methods

This study attempted to assess the reproducibility of 2D and 3D forensic methods for facial depiction from skeletal remains (2D sketch, 3D manual, 3D automated, 3D computer-assisted). In a blind study, thirteen practitioners produced fourteen facial depictions, using the same skull model derived from CT data of a living donor, a biological profile and relevant soft tissue data. The facial depictions were compared to the donor subject using three different evaluation methods: 3D geometric, 2D face recognition ranking and familiar resemblance ratings. Five of the 3D facial depictions (all 3D methods) demonstrated a deviation error within ± 2 mm for ≥ 50% of the total face surface. Overall, no single 3D method (manual, computer assisted, automated) produced consistently high results across all three evaluations. 2D comparisons with a facial photograph of the donor were carried out for all the 2D and 3D facial depictions using four freely available face recognition algorithms (Toolpie; Photomyne; Face ++; Amazon). The 2D sketch method produced the highest ranked matches to the donor photograph, with overall ranking in the top six. Only one 3D facial depiction was ranked highly in both the 3D geometric and 2D face recognition comparisons. The majority (67%) of the facial depictions were rated as limited or moderate resemblance by the familiar examiner. Only one 2D facial depiction was rated as strong resemblance, whilst two 2D sketches and two 3D facial depictions were rated as good resemblances by the familiar examiner. The four most geometrically accurate 3D facial depictions were only rated as limited or moderate resemblance to the donor by the familiar examiner. The results suggest that where a consistent facial depiction method is utilised, we can expect relatively consistent metric reliability between practitioners. However, presentation standards for practitioners would greatly enhance the possibility of recognition in forensic scenarios.

The impact of forensic accounting on combating the financial fraud an exploratory study of the opinions of a sample of accountants in commercial banks in Basra

This research aims to identify the impact of applying forensic accounting in commercial banks on combat financial fraud, by identifying the extent of the providing financial, and the enjoyment of the persons charged with a forensic accountant with the required scientific knowledge competence qualifications, and necessary skillfulness, and the availability of a legislative and regulatory community that stipulates it is governed by Iraqi law. The study sample consisted of (250) questionnaires that were distributed to accountants working in commercial banks in Basra, and the researchers relied on the descriptive and analytical approach in preparing the study, many statistical methods were used, such as descriptive statistics and regression analysis. This study found that the forensic accounting method leads to providing high confidence among all users of accounting data because it contributes to detecting cases of fraud and fraud that may appear in the activities of commercial banks and others. This study recommended the need to enhance awareness and education of the importance of forensic accounting and introduce the advantages of its use in various fields, the need to benefit from the experiences of some developed countries in the field of forensic accounting, and how to combat these crimes.

Reliability of a forensic odontology method for age-at-death estimation in adults: A Mexican case study

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of an age estimation method based on the pulp⁄tooth area ratio by assessing intra- and inter-examiner agreement across five observers at different intervals. Using the same X-ray device and technical parameters, 96 digital periapical X-ray images of upper and lower canines were obtained from 28 deceased people in Central America, whose age at death ranged from 19 to 49 years. Excellent and good agreement of results were achieved, and there were no statistically significant differences. The R2 value for upper teeth (54.0%) was higher than the R2 value for lower teeth (45.7%). The highest intraclass correlation coefficient value was 0.995 (0.993–0.997) and the lowest 0.798 (0.545–0.895). Inter-examiner agreement was high with values of 0.975 (0.965–0.983) and 0.927 (0.879–0.955). This method is adequate for assessing age in missing and unidentified people, including victims of mass disasters.

Case study: using forensic data analysis to link crime scenes

Burglary crimes inflict a significant toll on society, both financially and psychologically. Most of these cases are never solved, many times because no visible signs of entry or forensic evidence are found at the scene. In this report, we detail a police case involving a series of burglaries in Israel, all of which lacked any visible signs of forced entry. Thirteen burglaries were initially linked by the so-called forensic intelligence method and the analysis of additional forensic data obtained during the inspection of the scene and in the forensic laboratory. Linking seemingly unrelated crime scenes through forensic data analysis can increase the effectiveness of case investigations.

ИСТОРИЧЕСКАЯ ДЕТЕРМИНИРОВАННОСТЬ ДИСКУССИОННОСТИ ПРЕДСТАВЛЕНИЙ ОБ ЭКСПЕРТНОЙ ИНИЦИАТИВЕ В УГОЛОВНОМ ПРОЦЕССЕ

The purpose of the presented research is to substantiate the need to improve the institution of expert initiative in domestic criminal proceedings. The tasks of the work are due to the insufficient elaboration of the question of the concept and limits of expert initiative in criminal proceedings, as well as the role of expert discretion in the process of initiating various decisions and actions, despite the controversial nature of the problem of regulation and implementation of expert initiative in criminal proceedings. In this regard, the following tasks can be distinguished: historical and legal analysis of the formation of ideas about the expert initiative in different conditions; discussion of the conceptual apparatus of the institute of expert initiative, namely the very concept of expert initiative, its limits and scope; consideration of expert initiative in the system of evaluative concepts. The methodology of this article, for the most part, is traditional, and includes general scientific methods: dialectical; logical; method of logical analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, generalization, abstraction, analogy, ascent from the abstract to the concrete, functional and systemic methods of cognition. In the structure of the research methodology, which made it possible to detail scientific ideas about the nature and essence of the expert initiative, an important place was occupied by: historical-legal; formal-logical; institutional; comparative-legal; interpretative methods. Results: At the moment, the right of expert initiative is enshrined in: paragraph 4 of Part 3 of Article 57 and Part 2 of Article 204 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation. However, there is no consensus on the essence of this norm in the scientific and practical environment, despite the historical conditionality of such discussions. A number of scientists believe that the expert initiative is associated with such a form of realization of the right as use, i.e. with the discretion of the expert, and is optional for him. The other part of the scientific community considers the expert's initiative as a duty, i.e. the implementation of this norm, in their opinion, should take place in the form of execution. In accordance with this, different approaches to the definition of an expert initiative are also found. It seems that the essence of the expert initiative is most accurately manifested through the discretion of the expert, and is not limited to the duplication of the expert's powers specified in Part 4 of Article 57 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation. Setting the task in the key of studying evaluative concepts opens up the prospect for further research on the chosen topic. Conclusions: In the absence of legislative consolidation of the concept of expert initiative, its limits and scope, there is not a linguistic conflict, but an incompleteness and insufficiency in regulating the initiation of actions and decisions by an expert within the competence of this participant in the criminal process. In order to make up for it, it is necessary to provide in art. 5 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation the following provision: expert initiative is the professional activity of an expert, carried out at his discretion within the competence, and consisting in the freedom of choice of scientific technical and forensic means and methods of applying special knowledge, expert techniques and recommendations in order to prevent, disclose and investigate crimes.

RNA-based short tandem repeat analysis on the D18S51 locus.

DNA typing based on short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is an effective forensic method for human identification. Some STRs are contained within the introns of protein-coding genes and are transcribed as pre-mRNAs. However, the possibility of using RNA for STR analysis is yet to be fully explored. Considering that RNA in forensic samples is relatively stable, especially under dry- and low-temperature conditions, we hypothesized that STR information could be obtained from RNA. Here, we investigated the possibility of conducting RNA-based STR analysis using the D18S51 locus as a model.

Data-Driven Deepfake Forensics Model Based on Large-Scale Frequency and Noise Features

With the rapid development of deep learning and communication technology, the application of streaming media services and social software have gone deep into life. However, in the face of many uncertain factors in data dissemination, protecting privacy and security is particularly important. In order to solve the above problems, this study proposes a deep face forgery forensics method with frequency domain and noise features. In this method, DCT (i.e. Discrete Cosine Transform) transform is proposed to perceive the forgery trace features of different frequency bands in the frequency domain. At the same time, the spatial rich model (SRM) is used for guidance to enhance the traces of forged noise. Then, large-scale network and single center loss function are introduced to improve the forensics ability of the model. Experimental results on several databases such as faceforensics++, celeb DF and DFDC show that this method can effectively improve the accuracy of forensics.