Abstract
This will be a presentation of real crime scenes and the management of efforts bringing together the forensic experts and the investigative personal to solve real cases. Having lead the Homicide Department department unlike CSI and other programs, police fail to collect and properly analysis a crime scene which I will demonstrate. We need to interpret crime scenes. Sloppy police investigations, lazy forensic personnel team up to reduce the ability to solve cases with solid evidence.
The research profession needs to catch up with policing, corrections and juvenile justice, and define a role for itself in the problem solving process. The research community needs to find ways to bring its analytical skills, its objectivity, its rigor, its independence, its ability to link theory and practice, into the messy arena of contemporary practice. Although we have made progress, the need is tremendous.
Biography
Anthony Schembri is a respected law enforcement and academic professional with over four decades’ experience in the field. Over the years, he has drawn praise from such varied sources as New York City Mayor, President Jimmy Carter, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and New York Governor Mario Cuomo. First appointed to the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office he advanced to Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Bureau, then to Director of Training at the District Attorneys Police Academy. Anthony Schembri has served as the city’s Deputy Inspector General, investigating cases of major crime and corruption. He was appointed by the Mayor of New York as Corrections Commissioner, a position putting him in charge of 12,000 uniformed officers and 20,000 inmates at 19 separate jail facilities. Today, the Citrus County, Florida, resident serves as a Visiting Professor at Oxford and Sheffield Hallam University and named Outstanding Professor of the Year at the University of Florida.
Abstract
Victimology, the study of victims and how they are harmed, helps identify the factors contributing to victimization, the dynamics of abuse, and the societal responses that often exacerbate the suffering of victims in long-term care settings. Nursing home residents, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities, are vulnerable to multiple forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial exploitation and neglect. Victimology places significant emphasis on the vulnerability of certain populations, and elderly residents in nursing homes fit many criteria of vulnerable individuals. Physical frailty, cognitive decline (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease), social isolation, and dependence on caregivers make elderly individuals easy targets for abuse. Furthermore, many residents in nursing homes suffer from diminished capacity to report their victimization due to fear, confusion, or a lack of external support. This vulnerability is exacerbated by power imbalances between the residents and their caregivers, who often control every aspect of their daily lives. In addition to the direct victimization experienced in nursing homes, victimology examines secondary victimization, which refers to the additional harm that victims experience when they seek help. In the context of nursing homes, this can occur when residents report abuse but are not believed, or when complaints are ignored or mishandled by management or regulatory bodies. Secondary victimization can exacerbate the trauma of the original abuse and discourage future reporting, trapping victims in a cycle of silence and continued harm.
Victimology also focuses on the role of societal and legal responses in either aiding or failing victims. Laws like the Elder Justice Act in the United States and mandated reporting requirements are designed to protect elderly victims, but enforcement is often weak. Many cases of abuse go unnoticed due to poor oversight, lack of family involvement, or the victim’s inability to communicate their experiences. A more robust victim-centered approach, where the elderly are empowered, supported, and given a voice, is crucial to addressing this issue.
By applying victimology to the issue of nursing home abuse, it becomes clear that elderly residents are an extremely vulnerable group facing multiple forms of victimization. This is compounded by systemic problems such as understaffing, power imbalances, and insufficient legal protections, which all contribute to an environment where abuse can flourish. A comprehensive victimological approach that focuses on prevention, adequate support systems, and legal reform is essential to protect elderly individuals in institutional care settings.
Biography
Dr. Marian Swindell is a professor of Social Work at Mississippi State University. She recently made history as the first teaching PhD/MSW in Social Work awarded tenure and achieved the rank of full professor. She has over 30 years of experience in forensic and medical social work and brings a wealth of information from sociology, criminology, and social work to this conference. Dr. Swindell completed her Ph.D. (2001) and MSW (1992) in Social Work from the University of Alabama.
Abstract
Research indicates that approximately 90% of pre-lingual deaf children are born to hearing parents (Brungel, 2000). Further, according to the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS), about 3.6% of the U.S. population, or about 11 million individuals, consider themselves deaf or have serious difficulty hearing (Center, 2024).
For many of those children born to hearing parents, they are not learning or acquiring language from their parents as their parents do not know or use sign language. Often times, these parents have been advised (mistakenly) to not learn and use sign language with their children because of the belief that signing prevents speech and mainstream inclusion. This lack of language skills can have a deleterious effect on deaf children and lead to “an impoverished or distorted relationship between parent and child. (Austin, 2010)” This can lead to challenging behavior in adulthood.
Developmental delay, due to delayed language acquisition, can cause a disruption in their cognitive processes, poor executive functioning, attention deficits and poor mental health (Austin, 2010). Each of these disruptions have been linked to criminal behavior (Griffith, 2024).
Biography
Dr. Aviva Twersky Glasner, Ph.D. received a Masters in Forensic Psychology and her doctorsl degree in Criminal Justice. She has worked with Deaf individuals and developed her research interests around using criminological theories to examine the role that socialization may play in criminality of Deaf inmates.
Abstract
Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) has long been used as a tool for detectives and investigators in attempting to determine what happened at the crime scene. BPA has more recently been called into question for its scientific validity and subjective interpretations. During this talk we will review some of the principles of BPA which lead to its foundation in the scientific domain as well as update the audience on current terminology and techniques used in documentation and processing of bloodstain scenes. Special attention will be given to the importance of follow-up DNA testing on samples located at a scene involving bloodstain pattern analysis. Discussion will be held on the ability of DNA analysts and in turn bloodstain pattern analysts to conclusively say the DNA came from the blood at the crime scene. Case studies will be presented to highlight the importance of proper collection and DNA processing of the samples seized from different blood scenes. After the talk, participants will be able to confidently use current terminology, understand the importance of stain selection for DNA processing, and feel more confident in the methodology used in interpreting bloodstain patterns at crime scenes.
Biography
Erik Hall is the Director of the Forensic Science Program at Saint Louis University in St Louis, Missouri. Mr. Hall was the former Biology Technical Leader and a DNA analyst at the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department Crime Laboratory. At the crime laboratory, Mr. Hall was the head of the DNA crime scene response team which was tasked with aiding detectives in investigating major crime scenes using bloodstain pattern analysis and advanced DNA techniques to gain insight into the crimes. Mr. Hall has expanded his passion for forensic science as the founder and principal consultant of Hall Forensic Consulting, which specializes in assisting law enforcement, crime laboratories, and attorneys in areas such as DNA analysis, crime scene investigation, and bloodstain pattern analysis. Mr. Hall has a Master’s degree in Forensic Ccience from the University of New Haven and a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Messiah University.
Abstract
Every human being possesses a unique tooth structure, so dental evidence can be used by medical examiners and pathologists to identify unknown individuals in much the same way that police investigators compare fingerprints. Bite marks can also provide excellent physical evidence when matched against the tooth structure of a suspect. To be of value, the bite mark must be detected and preserved promptly. Evidence may be collected through photographing; Photoshop image enhancement and overlays of suspect dentitions; DNA swabbing. Bite marks may occur on foodstuffs at the scene of the crime, on the skin of crime victims, or they may be left by the victim on the attacker. Dentures may also provide valuable evidence. This will be discussed in this zoom presentation.
Biography
Dr James graduated from a one-year course, McGill University, Dental Forensics Program; part on-campus training with the Surete du Quebec Forensics Team. Dr James is focusing on Child Abuse, Elderly Abuse, Human Trafficking, and Intimate Partner Violence. He also gives educational PowerPoint presentations on these topics. Also, trained at University of Tennessee, Body Farm, and Clandestine Grave Recovery. Dr Frizzell’s motto is: “The Power of Observation”, in the forensic’s world.
Abstract
Topic ,Explanation of what graphology is and what it is used for and its different specialties, as well as the uses we can give it. Graphology,or handwriting analysis, the fascinating science of handwriting analysis, offers a window into the writer's personality is a tool that helps us to see the talents and skills of people as well as their frustrations, moods, temperament, and character. and the ability to see possible physical and mental illnesses. This powerful tool has far-reaching applications in criminology, psychology, medicine, personnel selection, and career guidance. Delve into the fascinating world of graphology as we explore its uses and the process of performing handwriting and drawing analysis, shedding light on its wide-ranging impact in various fields.
Biography
Zaida Melissa Guajardo, Criminal Profiler, Handwriting Analyst, Graphologist. Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Forensic Investigations National University Master's Degree in Criminal Profiler Escuela Internacional de Criminology y Criminalistic. Professional Technology in Graphology and Graphotherapy.
Abstract
Each branch of forensic science contributes uniquely to solving crimes, allowing investigators to build a clear and accurate picture of events.
However, forensic science is undergoing a revolution thanks to new analytical methodologies and advanced technologies; This implies changes in education and training as professional opportunities grow, with new roles emerging such as forensic data analysts and specialists. These evolutions introduce new forensic analytical methodologies, advanced instrumentation and sophisticated software, greatly expanding the possibilities of solving cases, even particularly complex ones involving organized crime.
Not only analysis and study of modern strategies for preventing and combating illegality, corruption and common and organized crime, but also a deep knowledge of the potential of applicable forensic sciences, which together with traditional investigative investigation, can prove to be incisive in solving the case.
Biography
Forensic technical consultant, she deals with crime scene analysis and reconstruction with specializations in: Technical Inspection, Advanced Forensic Lophoscopy, Bloodstain Pattern Analyst, Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Criminal Investigation and Forensic Graphology. A lecturer in applied criminalistics, he is an active member of several Italian trade associations such as "ACISF - Italian Academy of Forensic Sciences" and "AICIS - Association of Criminologists for Investigation and Security", as well as international trade associations such as "IACA - International Association crime analyst" and "ALEIH - Latin American Association of Specialists in Human Identification". In Italy she is a forensic consultant in several cases concerning violent crimes and organized crime. For example, she dealt with the identification of the fugitive Matteo Messina Denaro, as part of some investigations against him, as well as reviewing a technical report concerning a bomb attack against judge Giovanni Falcone.
Abstract
There are billions of users of messaging apps which allow for real-time communication. Some of these apps, allow messages to “disappear” after a period. In addition, some apps, encrypt messages between parties. These features are beneficial with regards to data privacy and security but can be detrimental when forensic preservation, collection and examination of these messages is required for a litigation matter or investigation. This session will discuss popular messaging, in terms of what you need to know and the questions you need to ask, when encountering this data on an electronic device.
Biography
Robert B. Fried is an experienced professional who has spent over twenty-two years collecting and investigating electronic evidence. He attained a BS and MS in Forensic Science, and certificates in Law Enforcement Science, Computer Forensic Investigation, and Information Protection and Security from the University of New Haven. Robert serves on the Board of Advisors for the Masters in Investigations program at the University of New Haven. Robert serves on the EC-Council Global Advisory Board for the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) certification. He holds and actively maintains the following industry certifications: AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE), Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE), EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE) and GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA), C4 Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP). Robert is a licensed Professional Investigator in Michigan and is a licensed Private Investigator in New York and South Carolina. He is the author of PI Magazine's Cybersluething Department, where he shares insightful content on topics relating to digital forensics, eDiscovery, data privacy, and cybersecurity. Robert is also the author of the books, Forensic Data Collections 2.0: The Guide for Defensible & Efficient Processes and Forensic Data Collections 2.0: A Selection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content (2023) & Second Edition (2024).
Abstract
Journalism and Economic Intelligence: A Comparison
Objective:
- **Journalism**: Informs the public by providing news, analysis, and investigations on various topics.
- **Economic Intelligence**: Collects, analyzes, and exploits strategic information to assist businesses in making informed decisions.
Sources:
- **Journalism**: Utilizes diverse sources such as interviews, public documents, and testimonies.
- **Economic Intelligence**: Primarily relies on legal sources like databases, financial reports, and patents.
Methods:
- **Journalism**: Involves verifying facts, researching verifiable information, and writing articles.
- **Economic Intelligence**: Includes monitoring, analysis, investigations, and competitor surveillance.
Purpose:
- **Journalism**: Disseminates information to the general public.
- **Economic Intelligence**: Aids companies in anticipating risks, identifying opportunities, and maintaining competitiveness.
Ethics:
- **Journalism**: Upholds principles of independence, objectivity, and truthfulness.
- **Economic Intelligence**: Must adhere to legality and ethical standards in information collection.
In summary, journalism focuses on public information, while economic intelligence supports businesses in strategic decision-making.
Information Collection Approach:
- **Journalism**: Journalists often rely on human sources, conducting interviews, gathering firsthand information, and verifying authenticity.
- **Economic Intelligence**: Prioritizes discreet information collection, including industrial espionage, social media monitoring, and competitive intelligence.
Data Analysis:
- **Journalism**: Journalists analyze collected information to create coherent and informative narratives, addressing readers' questions and contextualizing events.
- **Economic Intelligence**: Data analysis is central to economic intelligence. Professionals examine trends, patterns, and relationships between information to identify potential opportunities or threats.
Purpose and Impact:
- **Journalism**: Impact is often measured by audience reach and influence on public opinion. Journalists can shape perceptions of events or issues.
- **Economic Intelligence**: Its impact is more discreet. It helps companies make better-informed decisions, protect their interests, and remain competitive in the market.
Remember that these domains are complex and interconnected, and their boundaries can sometimes be blurred. If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask!
Biography
With more than three years of experience as an independent journalist, I specialize in investigative journalism, particularly in security and defense. My career has allowed me to develop a master's degree in communication and marketing, essential for capturing the public's attention and building relationships of trust with my listeners. As a columnist for Cool Radio, I am actively involved in creating relevant and captivating content, always with the aim of informing and educating. The LinkedIn network that I have built, with 17,000 subscribers, demonstrates my commitment to sharing ideas and conducting interviews that resonate with current issues.
Abstract
Wrongful convictions are a serious issue in the US justice system. Fortunately, with the help of innocence organizations, DNA testing has been incredibly effective in overturning wrongful convictions. The Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP) is a unique pairing between attorneys and forensic science students. A review of the procedures for obtaining post-conviction DNA testing relief in California will be provided along with a re-cap of the establishment of actual innocence for LAIP client Maurice Hastings who suffered 38 years of incarceration for a crime he did not commit.
Biography
In his 28-year forensic science career Mehul B. Anjaria has seen the front lines of all sides of the criminal justice system and now enjoys the challenge of bridging science and law. He is a member of the Panel of Expert Witnesses of the County of Los Angeles Superior Court. In 2009 he founded MBA DNA Consulting, LLC to assist criminal defense/civil attorneys and Pro Per inmates struggling with complicated forensic DNA issues in their cases. In 2017 he began consulting with innocence organizations.
Abstract
Over the last five decades, there has been growing interests in the nature of the relationship between crime and religion. In general researchers have sought to determine if being more or less religious has anything to do with why people do or not commit crime. Scholars from diverse disciplines, including criminologists and theologians interested in this line of inquiry have sought to provide empirical insights to this important question however the link between religion and crime is debatable. Link between religion and crime remains unsettled and controversial topic, because of different religious and cultural beliefs that exists globally and in the study area the gap is wide. The research objectives sought to establish whether the link between religion and crime exist and usefulness of religion in crime prevention. One theory informed this study namely social control theory. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design as appropriate because the research problem under investigation was descriptive in nature and appropriate for collecting, analysing and presenting data. A sample size of 125 derived from a target population of 1250 key respondents in Bungoma County, where mixed research methods was applied. The research tools include in-depth interviews, desk review, questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study revealed an inverse link between religiosity and crime which suggest that religion is useful in suppressing criminality behaviour. The study recommends the need for criminologists to factor in religion as one method to prevent crime in the community.
Biography
Am Evans Kiprop from Kenya. I am also a young career researcher in the field of criminology and criminal justice having co-authored an article on ' Exploring the link between Crime and Religion in Bungoma County Kenya' which is available online on Research Gate. Recently I work in a legal organisation doing clerical and research work.
Abstract
Rib fractures may be associated with intentional or non-intentional injuries, with the possible significance of recent rib fracture with resuscitative pattern. It is important to detect and confirm the presence of rib fracture when performing a post mortem examination. At our centre, it has a local policy to perform routine radiological skeletal surveys and detailed postmortem examination of the rib in all cases of suspected trauma. The aim of this clinical report tick, is to describe the technique of postmortem examination of the rib. The methodology mainly depends on, release of parietal pleura, follow complete cheese off from the inner chest wall, then multiple intercostal muscles incisions. Final step is sweeping by the tips of the fingers of the examined hand in the inward and bidirectional movement. If complete recoil to normal position it is intact bone, while incomplete recoil to normal positions, may indicate suspected rib fracture with more need for further pathological and radiological investigation.
Biography
Dr. Ahmed Yasser has been a certified forensic pathologist in his home country of Egypt since 2000. Now he is working as a forensic expert in Hafer Al Baten Forensic Medicine Services Center - KSA, his second home country. Between 2000 and 2024, he worked as a forensic pathologist in Asser, Dammam, Hafer Al Baten Forensic Medicine Services- KSA. His experience of more than 1500 forensic cases is mainly related to the investigation of deaths in criminal cases and suspected cases, mass disasters, crime scene investigations, sexual assault investigations, forensic examinations of dead and alive injured persons in criminal cases.
Abstract
This presentation explores the lived adverse childhood experiences of a convicted serial rapist. Male-on-male child sexual abuse and rape is not only unique to South Africa, with trends thereof being well-documented universally. The dynamics of male-male child sexual abuse and rape negatively affects the quality of life of the survivor and has detrimental consequences in relation to sexual development, establishing and maintaining relationships, mental health, well-being, with the end result potentially being serial rape. The research was guided by the extended balance control theory of victimisation. This qualitative-phenomenological single-case study was applied in nature and highlights the aftermath of male-on-male child sexual abuse and rape within the South African context. Three interviews were conducted with the aid
of a semi-structured interview schedule and data analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Six themes emerged namely: (a) family background and effect on current functioning, (b) school functioning and experience, (c) crime analysis, (d) institutional adaptation and functioning, (e) characteristic and interpersonal traits and (f) recommendations in relation to the phenomenon of male-on-male child sexual abuse and rape, derived from the verbatim responses of the participant.
Biography
Dr Nigel Bradely Bougard holds a MA and PhD in Criminology from the University of Pretoria (UP). He is as an academic and researcher at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Department of Criminology and Security Science. His research interests include violent crimes, political offences, economic crimes, gangsterism, victimology; and criminological assessment and evaluation of offenders. He is actively involved in postgraduate supervision and training of both honours and masters’ students. Dr Bougard comes with extensive practical and theoretical experience in both Criminology and Victimology.
Abstract
The Adversary Behavior Analysis Model (ABAM) is a comprehensive framework meticulously designed to examine and understand cyber adversaries' tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) through methodical data analysis. The model begins with a rigorous process of data cleansing and normalization to prepare datasets for feature extraction and transformation. Privacy concerns are addressed through data anonymization, followed by GeoIP and destination service enrichment, which enhances the data's locational context. External threat intelligence feeds are then integrated to identify potential malicious activities.
The model ensures data reliability through validation techniques, while correlation analysis helps uncover patterns within threat intelligence feeds. Behavioral analysis, supported by clustering, allows for detecting anomalies, providing insights into adversary behaviors. Ultimately, ABAM plays a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity defenses by offering a structured threat analysis and anomaly detection approach. Through this process, organizations can develop a more profound understanding of cyber threats, resulting in improved defense and incident response strategies, thereby bolstering their security.
Biography
Dr. Marshall S. Rich, a Ph.D. candidate in Cyberpsychology at Capitol Technology University and Senior Expert for Cybersecurity at the US Institute of Peace, leverages his multifaceted background in military, government, and corporate sectors. His work is centered on integrating psychology with cybersecurity to formulate proactive risk mitigation strategies. Dr. Rich's goal is to enhance organizational cybersecurity resilience by understanding the psychological aspects of cyber threats and bridging human behavior with technological defense systems. His extensive education includes a Doctor of Business Administration, an M.A. in Computer Resources, and a B.B.A. in Business Information Systems.
Abstract
Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that is a recognized public health issue of global proportions. It often leaves victims with severe acute and long-term physical and psychological trauma. Medical forensic exams play a critical role in addressing these needs, providing essential support for survivors and aiding in the pursuit of justice. Despite the critical role of medical forensic exams in addressing the complex needs of human trafficking victims, these examinations are not routinely provided. This presentation underscores the urgent need to integrate forensic medical evaluations into standard care for trafficking survivors. Forensic exams are essential for documenting physical injuries, identifying signs of abuse, and addressing both immediate and long-term health concerns. They also provide crucial evidence that can significantly impact legal proceedings, strengthening the case against traffickers and helping to secure justice for survivors.
Moreover, the availability of forensic exams fosters a more comprehensive approach to victim support, enhancing their overall well-being and promoting their trust in the justice system. This presentation will detail the benefits of routine forensic evaluations, from improving health outcomes and facilitating recovery to bolstering legal strategies against trafficking. By advocating for systematic implementation of forensic exams, this presentation aims to highlight the pivotal role of forensic exams in both the healing process and the fight against human trafficking.
Biography
Teresa Devitt-Lynch completed her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin Madison, US. She is also a board-certified adult/adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Advanced Forensic Nurse. She is currently a legal nurse consultant with a focus on criminal cases that involve injury or medical issues. Active in professional organizations she is a member of the Academy of Forensic Nurses Board of Directors and has provided numerous forensic healthcare trainings to medical, law enforcement and legal professionals who come into contact with victims and suspects of violence.
Abstract
Intelligence comes in different forms. To name the primary sources, we have open-source, artificial, imagery (geospatial), signals, measurements and signatures, and human intelligence. In the digital forensics’ world, you seek to identify, collect, analyze, preserve, document, and report based on electronic data. The results of which may be used in criminal investigations, incident response, disaster recovery, preventative techniques, and a myriad of other endgames may apply to the reason behind the search. The value and necessity the intelligence source brings to the data collection and analysis process is undeniable. The intelligence informs if and how you determine the existence of a threat, the methods used to collect data, and the analytical procedures pursued, with implications on the choice of documentation and reporting. The perspective and approach are dictated by far-reaching origins that will produce a specific outcome. With the large data amounts procured, determining what to emphasize can be a harrowing experience. The implementation of automation in the process has aided in faster evaluation, a variety of tools are available to segregate and itemize the data, but proper intelligence will serve to categorize and exemplify the areas of greatest interest to the investigator.
Biography
Désirée is a Cybersecurity Global Executive Advisor at Quantum Mergers, where she provides board-level advisory and consulting in addition to her Digital Forensics and Incident Response work. She leads global teams applying her knowledge to security architecture and design, forensic analysis, blockchain security, AI/Machine Learning, OT/CIS, and M&A. She has been serving the cybersecurity community for over 15 years. She is passionate about cybersecurity and digital trust transformation. She leverages her entrepreneurial and business background skills in cyber risk management offense and defense to guide the diverse array of organizations she advises to meet their security needs, improving overall posture management by maximizing the use of emerging technologies and developments. This vigilance and high value for creating and maintaining secure environments have made her a cybersecurity trailblazer. She seeks to improve the world’s cybersecurity endeavors through her digital forensic research and efforts to create and educate on the formation of a safer online world.
Abstract
Despite repetitive claims by the US Government that "Havana Syndrome" is a mysterious condition, a scientific consensus has been formed around this novel form of brain injury. Unlike mTBI which is virtually synonymous with concussion, Non-Kinetic Brain Injury (NKBI) is a form of brain injury in which no mechanical contact by an objects or air occurs. Pulses of electromagnetic energy in the radio frequency range is the most plausible mechanism for this novel type of injury. NKBI concept is presented and mechanisms are discussed. Anomalous Health Incidents are not synonymous with "Havana Syndrome". In order to understand these acute events, a brain entrainment framework is presented.
Biography
Len Ber has received his MD degree from the Yaroslavle Medical School in the former USSR. After specializing in endocrinology and immunology, he joined ImmuDyne, Inc. in Houston, TX as a VP of R&D, and continued his career in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. After retiring, Dr. Ber joined Houston-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in the role of Global Medical Leader. In this role, he is spearheading the efforts to officially acknowledge, track, and develop measures for “Havana Syndrome” in the US population. Dr. Ber is responsible for the Civilian Registry Initiative for victims of “Havana Syndrome”. He has also been nominated as a CDC Advisor for “Havana Syndrome” in the new administration.
Abstract
Digital forensics is the process of collecting and analysing digital evidence to maintain its integrity and admissibility in court. The issue, therefore, has a technical aspect related to the actual possibilities of collecting digital traces but also a legal aspect, i.e. concerning the legality of the process of gathering evidence and its usage in criminal proceedings. In other words, digital traces must be properly collected and preserved (so as to maintain the highest standard of their authenticity), and then they must be legally ‘introduced’ into the criminal proceedings. A specific content is then obtained from the evidentiary source, which becomes the means of evidence. The means of evidence, on the other hand, must meet the criterion of admissibility. Within the framework of admissibility, the legality of the gathering of evidence and the legality of the ‘introduction’ of evidence into the criminal process are examined, inter alia.
In this presentation, we will analyze examples of criminal proceedings typical of Central Europe. These are proceedings of the inquisitorial type, also known as the mixed type, characterized by extensive pre-trial proceedings in which the authorities, usually under the supervision of the public prosecutor and sometimes of the court, gather evidence, including digital evidence. This is followed by a full verification of its legality at the time of filing an indictment with the court. However, these procedures vary widely, making cross-border criminal prosecutions difficult.The key issue is, therefore, to examine the legality of the procedures for collecting digital evidence and the legality of its transformation into means of evidence, both internally, i.e. the relevant national standards, and externally, i.e. in cross-border proceedings. Due to the limited framework of our analysis, examples of national regulations where autonomous rules on digital evidence have been established in criminal codes (e.g. Hungary), as well as such examples of regulations where no autonomous codes have been established (e.g. Poland, Croatia), will be indicated. In this context, attention was drawn to the importance of European standards and the need to harmonise national rules on digital evidence. The existing technical improvements, such as the E-evidence digital exchange platform, were also pointed out. In the absence of common and harmonised regulations on the collection and admissibility of digital evidence, attention was also drawn to what standards emerged from the CJEU case law. Thus, one of the key rulings of this body in this area, the judgment of the Court in Case C-670/22 | M.N. (EncroChat), namely the Judgment of the Court (Grand Chamber) Judgment of 30 April 2024 (reference for a preliminary ruling from the Landgericht Berlin - Germany) - criminal proceedings against M.N. In this judgment, the CJEU interpreted the provisions of the 2014 Directive establishing the European Investigation Order. This instrument enables the implementation of cooperation in criminal prosecution between EU Member States.
In the context of criminal proceedings in Germany concerning illegal drug trafficking involving the use of the encrypted telecommunications service EncroChat, the Court of Justice clarifies certain conditions for the transmission and use of evidence under the Directive regarding the European Investigation Order (EIO) in criminal matters. Thus, an EIO for the transmission of evidence already gathered by another Member State may, under certain conditions, be issued by a public prosecutor. The conditions applicable to the gathering of evidence in the issuing State do not need to have been satisfied in order for the European Investigative Order to be issued. As the Court clarified - It must, however, be possible for compliance with the fundamental rights of the persons concerned to be judicially reviewed subsequently.
Additionally, if a Member State carries out an interception measure on the territory of another Member State, it is required to notify that other Member State in a timely manner. Moreover, the criminal courts are obligated, under specific conditions, to exclude evidence when the individual involved is unable to provide input on that evidence. Specifically, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has determined that a national criminal court must disregard information and evidence in the context of criminal proceedings against a person suspected of criminal acts if that person is unable to effectively comment on that information and evidence, and if it could significantly impact the assessment of the facts.
Biography
I'm a Professor at the Department of Criminal Proceedings and the President of the Legal Clinic at Adam Mickiewicz University /Poland.
Abstract
The importance of digital forensics and the use of digital evidence in forensics continues to grow. Cybersecurity criminals and security specialists are both making use of technology in various activities. Therefore, the onus is on us to secure corporate enterprises against any future cyber-attacks. Learning or understanding digital evidence left after intrusion or before is our main priorities in this era.
Consequently, it is important to be digital forensically ready for any form of cyber or digital incident. Digital Forensic Readiness is an anticipatory approach within the digital forensic domain used mainly for digital evidence. Modelling digital forensic readiness is important in an organization to have an assessment tool to measure level of readiness against cyber incidents or attacks.
This online seminar discusses some of the steps to be taken by my organization to strengthen or prepare their enterprises against any future cyber incidents. This online seminar is aimed at project managers and organization executives.
Biography
Felix Bankole earned Joint PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Cape Town. He has been working as Professor at various universities in Canada, United States and South Africa. He has published widely in reputable Journals and Conference proceedings and currently serving as the Director of HarpDome Technologies Inc, Canada.
Abstract
The various examples of forensic entomology are examined in this presentation. Most people think of insects and homicide investigations (and TV shows) when they hear the term, but forensic entomology may also be a discipline associated with internal medicine, dermatology, and dentistry (odontology); pest species infestations of buildings, foods and food products; and cases where arthropods are intimately associated with animals and people. I will be showing examples of crime scene investigations, specific species infestations, biological information of various arthropod species, and certain rearing techniques. Crime scene inspections and investigations are reviewed for unique cases involved with specific insect and arachnid species that may have been overlooked if it were not for knowledge of biology and behavior of certain arthropod species.
Biography
Louis Sorkin received his Masters of Science in Entomology from the University of Connecticut, at Storrs and began his entomological career of over 43 years in the Department of Entomology (Division of Invertebrate Zoology) at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, working on arachnid systematics and insect cuisine. He also curated the extensive, preserved arachnid and myriapod collections. He became interested in the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius), its biology and behaviors, and to do so has reared and fed thousands of them over the years. He is the principal entomologist and founder of Entsult Associates, Inc.
“ Will be updated soon...”