DUBAI // Identifying a woman’s torso, with no head or limbs, would seem to be an impossible task. There are no fingerprints or eyes to scan, and no teeth to check on dental records.
But in a feat of forensic brilliance, a Dubai Police team identified the Filipina whose body was found last year, leading to the arrest of a relative who was charged with killing her over a Dh10,000 debt.
The team started by cross-checking DNA from the body with that of 9,750 absconded maids to find a match. It took three months but they eventually identified her.
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.
Then there was the body found burning near a warehouse in October last year. After extensive forensic research, police managed to identify 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 technologies and researches 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,” Dr Tarbah said.
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,” Dr Tarbah said.
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.
nalramahi@thenational.ae
