26 October 2022

The AFP will have access to specialised forensic DNA testing, not currently available in Australia, to identify human remains and develop new leads for unsolved crimes, by partnering with a world-leading forensic genomics laboratory.

Under the agreement, the AFP’s National DNA Program for Unidentified and Missing Persons will provide forensic evidence from some of Australia’s most challenging unidentified and missing persons cases to the United States-based forensic genomics laboratory Othram to be examined using advanced forensic DNA tools, including Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG).

Othram is the world’s first purpose-built FGG laboratory for human identification applications. Over the last three years, Othram’s technology has helped law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada solve many decades-old cases.

FGG combines cutting-edge DNA testing methods, public DNA databases and traditional genealogy research to provide investigative leads that can help identify unknown individuals. The process leverages DNA comparisons with distant genetic relatives to reconstruct family trees and narrow down the search to a region, a family or an individual.

FGG testing is now underway at Othram for several Program cases not solvable using standard forensic techniques and searches of national law enforcement databases. The longer-term benefits of this partnership will include technology and knowledge transfer, joint research projects and establishment of…