Forensic Solutions to Combat Forgery and Adulterations
Chia Poh Ling
Global Legal Confex, Singapore 2016
[abstract]
Commercial fraud, forged documents, counterfeit products and adulterated food substances are commonly encountered in criminal, civil, private and internal investigations. Public safety and security, product liability and trademark protection critically hinge on the timely forensic detection of items such as tampered security seals, counterfeit drugs and medical devices, contaminated fuel oils and other chemicals and out-of-specification products.
Though useful, traditional DNA and fingerprint evidences usually provide answers only on “who” was involved. Answering other questions central to the investigation – the “what”, “when” and “how” of an event requires the forensic examination of other types of physical evidence: trace evidence, analysis of unknown chemicals and materials, toxicology, marks and impressions, damages and questioned documents.
Until recently, commercial companies harboring suspicions that a document was forged or tampered with, or their products counterfeited or adulterated with foreign substances had limited recourse to forensic services, as commercial analytical labs typically perform target testing of known substances, and do not accept such cases. The formation of The Forensic Experts Group in October 2013 has opened access for all parties to independent forensic examinations in Asia.
Participants will learn through the sharing of our vast experience how different types of physical evidence were used to investigate fraud, forgery and adulterations cases. They will also gain insights to how forensics can provide assistance to their cases.