truthlaborg, Author at Empowering Justice with Forensic Excellence

Economic offences and organised crime

Online business transactions and financial fraud.

Economic offences and organised crime landscape across the globe including India has changed drastically in the past decade -in large part due to advancements in technology. Criminals quickly adopt and integrate new technologies into their modus operandi or self styled novel business models are woven around them. The use of new technologies by organised crime groups (OCGs) has an impact on criminal activities across the spectrum of white-collar crime and organised crime. This includes expansion of online trade and widespread availability of encrypted communication channels, as well as other aspects of technological innovation such as more accessible and cheaper drone technology, and advanced 3D printing technologies.

Today technology has become a key component of most of the organized crimes, if not all, and criminal activities carried out by organized crime groups in India has afforded an unprecedented degree of flexibility to carry out phishing/ vishing/ online seams within and across border. Economic offences and organised crime has become a key threat to the national security and public safety in India. Criminal groups and individual criminals continue to generate large turnover in terms of cash profits from their activities each year. Some aspects of the organised crime landscape have changed drastically in recent years

—In large part due to advancements in technology that have had a profound impact on the involvement of criminal gangs spreading across wider society and economy.

In a recent survey based study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and SAS (statistical analysis system) among its members worldwide, it was revealed that Data Analytics Apps proved indispensable in helping businesses across industries control/ effectively deal with pandemic-driven fraud. The benefits were particularly evident in banking and financial services. Almost half (45%) of banking and financial sector survey respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated their organizations’ use of data analytics to combat fraud. Nearly all (99%) indicated their analytics capabilities helped them boost the volume of transactions involving suspected fraudulent cases identified.

Economic offences and organised crime Read More »

Cyber crime : Current and Emerging Threats

Blog / truthlaborg

Protecting your Identity online from cyber crime.

All over the world, societies are increasingly reliant on the identification information. Identity-related information about individuals is used e.g. for banking, shopping, traveling, and collecting social assistance. Increasingly, such information also includes biometric information. The more our society becomes computerized, the more avenues are open for cyber crime to exploit the vulnerabilities of those systems to commit identity-related crimes, which generate significant profits for criminals each year, with a far-reaching impact not only on economies and online commerce but also on individuals who fall victim to it. Where identity-related information is obtained by criminals, it can be abused to launder money, commit fraud and enable illicit activities for organized crime purposes, including acts of corruption, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and even terrorism.

Millions of dollars can be stolen using false identification either in highly sophisticated single events or through millions of smaller incidents. In the hands of unscrupulous criminals, these illegally derived profits can be used to commit further crimes.

Law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity professionals are constantly working to develop innovative solutions to prevent and mitigate cybercrime. However, it’s a collective responsibility to stay vigilant and protect our personal information to minimize the risks.

Remember, by staying informed, practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, and seeking assistance from experts when needed, we can all contribute to creating a safer online environment.

Cyber crime : Current and Emerging Threats Read More »

Growing trend of cyber enabled financial crimes

Blog / truthlaborg

The Internet as a hunting ground for cyber criminals.

Crime has also moved online, and cyber-enabled financial crimes, such as business email compromise, CEO fraud (where cybercriminals impersonate executives), e-commerce scams and investment fraud, have escalated in nearly every region. Today’s ransomware attacks target ‘big game’ targets, including major corporations, governments and critical infrastructure. To maximize harm and illicit profit, strategies have shifted to techniques like double extortion, where victims’ data or files are both encrypted and threatened with public exposure, compounding the risks of business disruption and reputational damage.

While world governments have their hands full dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, shady cyber heist operators are busy working the other way creating a vast fortune, to the tune of $6 trillion by 2021 end alone.

If that total amount is a country’s GDP, it’s next only to the income of the US and China as all of us know India is at $3 trillion mark and planning to touch $5 trillion in next 5 years after crossing the economic indicators of Britain.

Technology keeps evolving at a rapid pace, so do cybercrooks. Apart from newer forms of cyber threats, even the oldest tricks in the book are not completely useless for these cybercriminals. They take these tricks out of the box and make modifications and updates to bypass security measures especially created for them.

Truth Labs has performed a number of forensic investigations of financial fraud and accounting for public sector and corporate clients.

Growing trend of cyber enabled financial crimes Read More »

A Case of Audio Forensics: Guilty Call Records

Success Stories / truthlaborg

Your mobile phone and audio forensics

Lets learn how Audio Forensics comes to the rescue of victims of domestic violence. Crimes against women have troubled our society for ages. Nearly 30% of the women in India have been victims of domestic violence based on an NCRB report in the year 2021. Many more of the incidents are known to go unreported and without justice.

There has been a noted increase in the use of electronic evidence as proof in such cases, even if gathering the same is not necessarily straightforward. In cases where evidence is gathered successfully, it need to be subject to authentication to ensure its validity for presentation in court, including verification of their source.

In one such example audio video experts at Truth Labs analyzed a mobile device belonging to a woman victim of abuse, where audio recordings were said to be recorded.

The audio was extracted using Forensic Tools and was further subjected to technical analysis utilizing audio analytical tools and critical analysis by way of critical listening, concluding that the audio files in question were authentic. It was also determined that the source of the audio was the mobile phone itself hence, a 65B certificate was provided, along with the report of authenticity.

The audio clips found on the device were indicated to be recordings of the woman’s parents-in-law and husband being verbally abusive to her and her child. This also corroborated with other evidence of physical abuse. The Audio Forensics report of audio authenticity allowed the woman to seek justice with her legal case.

Learn more on how Truth Labs can help with such

A Case of Audio Forensics: Guilty Call Records Read More »

The Power of Statement Analysis – A Case of Forensic Linguistics

Success Stories / truthlaborg

The legal profession has an unfamiliar companion in its pursuit of justice and truth; the language used in the communication itself. Even though it frequently goes unnoticed by the general public, an intriguing discipline leverages the power of words known as ‘Forensic Linguistics’ which combines the study of language and its application in police and forensic investigations.

Forensic Linguistics extracts hidden realities in a form that is concealed from plain view. Whether it is an anonymous letter or a disputed confession, the clue can be found in the immense variety of expressions that make up the interaction. Just like the spoken voice, words, colloquial language, and accent can give away from which geographical, regional, or ethnic community the person is from; there would be an influence of our native speech when we tend to put down something; be it written or verbal. In other words, the style of writing or the manner one speaks is as distinctive as fingerprints. The choice of words reveals a lot of cues.

From the minor punctuation to the often-repetitive term one employs all vital hints. In addition to identifying the author, forensic linguistic probes into the emotion or intent of the instigator. For instance; emotive or evocative dialects may convey feelings of rage and the usage of ellipses can suggest hesitation.

In the era where digital interaction is dominant, the genuine identity of a person may be concealed by online communication like emails and social media posts. But Forensic Linguistics effectively pierces through these digital veils to divulge people who wish to stay anonymous. It is also a powerful ally in the field of cyber security and fraud prevention.

These seemingly routine electronic messages exchanged through emails or social media contain solutions to complex legal cases.

In one such case of piracy where an individual had adeptly utilized his skills in technology to incorrect ways by fraudulently creating an alternate website to fill in details and bypass the authentication of a public transport booking site. This website enticed citizens who preferred to take the quickest route to avail facilities of online booking of tickets even if it was not official. In this case, the law enforcement officials investigating the case approached Truth Labs to procure an opinion based on language and writings. The experts at Truth Labs used Forensic Linguistics to ascertain the authorship of the person who created pirated websites and content pages. An array of scientific techniques were employed to analyze written communication. Linguistic profiling was done where the nuances in vocabulary were looked into, the idiosyncratic features were decoded and the style of writing was identified. The scientific prowess with keen observation, giving importance to even the smallest punctuation fixed the language puzzle pieces in turn disclosing the authorship of writing.

The Power of Statement Analysis – A Case of Forensic Linguistics Read More »

The Crucial Role of Expert Testimony in Upholding Truth and Justice

Blog / truthlaborg

Expert Testimony and the Courts.

In the realm of justice, achieving truth and fairness relies on a delicate equilibrium between evidence, legal arguments, and expert testimony. Expert testimony, an invaluable form of evidence, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that justice prevails, victims find redress, and legal verdicts align with the law. Throughout the process of forensic analysis, encompassing data collection, preservation, analysis, and maintaining the chain of custody, this role becomes even more pronounced.

Expert Medical Testimony is a linchpin in numerous criminal and civil cases, especially those involving personal injury, medical malpractice, or criminal acts. These specialized testimonies draw upon the wisdom and expertise of recognized medical professionals in their respective fields. Similarly, experts in various forensic sciences contribute their insights, interpretations, and opinions based on their specialization, often significantly influencing case outcomes.

The journey commences with meticulous data collection, a foundational step in expert medical testimony. Whether it’s evidence from crime scenes or medical examinations, precision and attention to detail are paramount. Collaborative efforts of forensic experts and medical professionals ensure no detail goes unnoticed. Every sample, photograph, and document is handled with care to preserve its integrity, as any lapses can jeopardize evidence and lead to miscarriages of justice.

Preservation of collected evidence becomes paramount after data collection. This process guarantees that biological samples, documents, and both digital and physical evidence remain unaltered and uncontaminated until presented in court. Proper storage, sealing, and labeling are essential to maintain the chain of custody and establish evidence reliability. In cases involving DNA or blood samples, even slight mishandling can render the evidence inadmissible.

Expert medical testimony often pivots on forensic analysis to unearth the facts. Specialized professionals, such as forensic pathologists, toxicologists, DNA analysts, cyber forensics, and audio-video forensic experts, are summoned to examine the evidence, provide interpretations, and draw conclusions. Their work merges scientific expertise with legal scrutiny, and, in many cases, this analysis definitively connects suspects to crimes or proves the innocence of accused individuals.

Once forensic analysis concludes, experts must craft comprehensive reports, acting as the bridge to the courtroom. These reports elucidate findings, methodologies, and conclusions, serving as critical tools for attorneys and judges to comprehend complex medical and scientific evidence. A well-structured, transparent report can be the linchpin of successful expert medical testimony.

Throughout this process, the chain of custody acts as a legal safeguard, documenting evidence handling from collection to presentation in court. It’s indispensable for establishing evidence authenticity and credibility, ensuring it remains untampered, uncontaminated, and properly managed. The chain of custody upholds fairness and integrity in the judicial process.

Expert medical testimony plays a transformative role in the pursuit of justice. It determines guilt or innocence in criminal cases, aids victims in seeking compensation and closure in civil matters, and holds medical professionals accountable for malpractice, protecting patient rights and well-being.

In the intricate web of the legal system, expert testimony serves as a beacon of truth and justice. From data collection to the chain of custody, each step in forensic analysis ensures accurate evidence preservation and presentation in court. Expert medical testimony, backed by forensic professionals’ expertise, delivers justice, holds wrongdoers accountable, and upholds the legal system’s commitment to truth and fairness. It transcends being a mere courtroom witness; it’s the guardian of justice itself.

Truth Labs has an impressive track record, with experts providing testimony in over 6000 cases during the past 15 years. They cover a wide array of areas, including questioned documents, signature forgery, alterations, document tampering, disputed fingerprints, audio and video authentication, medico-legal matters, insurance fraud investigations, paternity disputes, physiochemical and biochemical analysis, polygraph testing, ballistics, and DNA analysis.

The Crucial Role of Expert Testimony in Upholding Truth and Justice Read More »

Advancements in Forensic Science

Blog / truthlaborg

New forensic techniques

Strides in forensic technology are rapidly transforming criminal investigation, making crime- solving faster and more accurate than ever. Today, forensic scientists and technology companies are increasingly proactive when it comes to incorporating the latest forensic technology solutions for collection, analysis, and application of evidence. Application of cutting-edge technologies such as rapid DNA testing, automated fingerprint and facial identification, cloud forensics, facial reconstruction, alternative light photography, massively parallel sequencing (MPS), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is making investigative processes more advanced and effective. These advancements in forensic science are playing an integral role in reducing the global crime rate and creating a fairer criminal justice system.

Increasing rate of violent crimes including homicide and sexual assault across the globe, growing number of unresolved criminal cases, rapid adoption of advanced forensic technologies, and increasing government initiatives to fund forensic laboratory facilities are among the major factors driving increased applications of forensic technology in biodefense and bio-surveillance, rising incidences of cybercrime, and evolution of cyber forensics and digital forensics that provide greater impetus to effective criminal investigations.

Various news techniques in forensic science today.

Today, forensic scientists rely on next-generation DNA analysis techniques and technologies to solve cases and fight crime. Some of the most exciting innovations that are raising the bar for modern forensic science are discussed below:

DNA Phenotyping
Biosensors for forensic analysis
Isotope Detection
Forensic Palynology
Carbon Dating
Forensic Glass Analysis with LA-ICP-MS
Immunochromatography
Steam thermography
Frontal x-rays
Bacterial oral decomposition
3-D fingerprinting
Time-Tracing Fingerprint Technology
Stable Isotopes Technology of Water for Geo-locating a Suspect or Victim
Touch DNA
Drones
Google Glass
Insights into the Differential Preservation of Bone Proteomes in Inhumed and Entombed Cadavers from Italian Forensic Caseworks
Carbon Dot Powders with Cross-Linking-Based Long-Wavelength Emission for Multicolor Imaging of Latent Fingerprints
Proteomics Offers New Clues for Forensic Investigations
Integrating the Mas Spec Pen with Sub-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization for Rapid Chemical Analysis and Forensic Applications

Advancements in Forensic Science Read More »

An Untouched Enigma or Pixelated Puzzle:

Success Stories / truthlaborg

A study in Forensic Image Analysis

In the intricate world of forensic image analysis, each photograph is a canvas that paints a narrative of events, sometimes bordering on the miraculous. In one such cases at Truth Labs where an image came for check of authenticity to prove a miraculous occurring, the experts embarked on a scientific journey, peeling back the layers of a photograph capturing the vanishing act of a priest during Hindu havan rituals. Our forensic image analysis focused on images that were questioned and standards that were retrieved from the recording device, delving into the realm of pixel-level analysis and exploring the scientific factors at play.

The questioned image appeared untouched by the hand of manipulation, but a closer examination through the lens of pixel-level analysis and scientific factors reveals a different story. Some scientific factors contributed to distortions:

Exposure Time: The exposure time of 1/33 second is an incredibly short duration, capturing a fleeting moment in time during the havan rituals. This brief exposure allows for the meticulous scrutiny of the motion, providing insight into the complex interplay between hand and camera movement.
Aperture Setting: A larger aperture setting of f/1.8 hints at the attempt to capture more light, a common strategy in low-light conditions. In this case, it not only allows for a brighter image but also contributes to the intentional blurring of the background, emphasizing the priest’s hand in motion.
Focus and Environmental Conditions: The camera was focused on objects approximately 2 meters away through an air medium filled with smoke and high temperatures emanating from heating wood. This environment introduces unique challenges to image capture, with heat and smoke potentially impacting both the clarity of the image and the camera’s ability to focus.
Impact of Heat and Smoke: Heat and smoke, as revealed by scientific inference, can significantly impact the color balance of an image, leading to unnatural or inaccurate colors and loss of detail. This aligns with the observed anomalies in questioned image highlighting the environmental factors at play during the havan rituals.
Combined Effects: Heat and smoke distortion, coupled with the motion of the priest’s hand and the camera, contributed to the observed pixel-level distortions. This complex interplay results in parts of the object appearing blurred, wavy, out of focus, or even disappearing from view, creating an optical illusion that challenges the authenticity of the image.
Camera Settings – ISO: Investigation into the camera settings during the capture of questioned and sample images revealed an ISO setting of 210. This setting, indicative of the camera sensor’s sensitivity to light, is deemed suitable for normal to high light conditions. However, in the context of the havan rituals, the high temperatures and the presence of smoke creates a unique lighting scenario that influences the image’s overall quality.

The Image authentication study concluded that, the image capturing the miraculous disappearance of the hand during Hindu havan rituals merges art and science. Scientific factors such as exposure time, aperture setting, and environmental conditions contribute to the narrative, shedding light on the complexities beneath the surface of visual narratives. This exploration in a Photo Forensics or Image Forensics case prompts a reevaluation of the authenticity of seemingly untouched images, emphasizing the significance of scientific rigor in uncovering the intricate details that shape our perceptions.

An Untouched Enigma or Pixelated Puzzle: Read More »

TWO YEAR EXECUTIVE M.A. IN LAW, FORENSIC SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY – 2023

News / truthlaborg

A COLLABORATIVE ACADEMIC PROGRAMME BY

MAHARASHTRA NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY, AURANGABAD
AND
TRUTH LABS, HYDERABAD

In vain have you acquired knowledge if you have not imparted it to others. – Deuteronomy Rabbah

Truth Labs strives to impart forensic education to build a better, more informed community, particularly to the persons who are or who aspire to become a part of the criminal justice system. Truth Labs, in association with the Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU), has launched a forensics and criminology course, that awards the student M.A. IN LAW, FORENSIC SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY upon completion of learnings in 12 different subjects pertaining to forensics and law.

Subjects included in this course are Criminal Justice Systems, Questioned Documents, Fingerprints, Cyber Forensics, Digital Forensics Audio-Video Forensics, Forensic Engineering and Forensic Accounting Criminal, Civil, Special, and Local Laws, Forensic Physics, Ballistics, Forensic Biology, DNA, Serology & Medical Sciences, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Chemistry including Toxicology, Narcotics & Explosives, Emerging Laws relating to Advances in Science & Technology, Forensics for White-Collar Crimes; DNA Forensics; Identification of Human, plant and animal species, Medico-legal Investigation; Forensic Medicine, Forensic Pathology and Anthropology.

Within 2 years the students will be taught and trained in 12 subjects inclusive of a dissertation thesis that gives them in-depth knowledge of all subjects in forensic science and law. The course is tailored by the teaching faculty at MNLU and the Expert Board at Truth Labs to spin an all-encompassing course in forensic education with an opportunity to learn under seasoned experts.

This course has been inspired by the previous successful courses and educational initiatives that Truth Labs had organized in partnership with the Banaras Hindu University, the University of Hyderabad and the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) Hyderabad. With a successful track record of educating students at these universities, our organization expanded its purview to include the students of MNLU. From July 2023, students interested in forensic and legal sciences can join Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) to obtain an Advanced Diploma Course in Law, Forensic Science and Technology (Upon completion of only 1 year) or MA Degree in Law, Forensic Science and Technology (Upon completion of 2 years).

People who aspire to work with Investigative bodies (such as Police, Intelligence Agencies, etc.), Judiciary, NGOs, Security agencies, Government and Private Forensic Laboratories, Financial institutes, etc. will benefit from this all-inclusive course that aims to imbibe a holistic forensic and legal knowledge to all. Folks who have a background in Arts, Science, Law, Engineering, or Medicine with a passion for learning about forensic and legal science are eligible to enroll in this program. This extends to professionals in fields such as Lawyers, Police, Teachers, etc.

More information about this program can be accessed via http://www.mnlua.ac.in/

TWO YEAR EXECUTIVE M.A. IN LAW, FORENSIC SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY – 2023 Read More »