LUKE ELIOT
Scientists fear criminals will be able to use forged DNA made in backyard laboratories to muddy their presence at crime scenes.
DNA can make a unique genetic blueprint of an individual that can then be used to prove that the person had been at a crime scene.
Murdoch University molecular biologist David Berryman and University of WA forensic science director Ian Dadour said yesterday that the materials, equipment and know-how to forge DNA were readily available.
Dr Berryman and Associate Professor Dadour are heading a twoyear, $99,000 Office of Crime Prevention project to study the detection and removal of forged DNA from crime scenes. The research is believed to be a world first.
They said it was unlikely that small-time criminals would go to such lengths but those more sophisticated might.
And the process could become highly lucrative for backyard scientists, who could sell forged DNA on the black market.
Investigators now use chemicals to separate DNA from human samples, including blood and skin at crime scenes.
The DNA is heated and cooled to increase the number of molecules and generate a DNA profile, which can be compared with a suspect’s.
Dr Berryman and Professor Dadour said the chemicals were available from household suppliers and the process was detailed on the internet. The forged DNA could be spread at a crime scene to mix with the criminal’s DNA, affecting the final profile.
High-quality forged DNA could be used to frame an innocent person, but Dr Berryman believes forged DNA would more likely be used to mix with legitimate samples.
WA police declined to comment.