Forensic Technology Enables Identification of Criminals Despite Major Changes in Appearance

Forensic experts from the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation (ICRF) are now able to identify criminals even from blurry surveillance footage, and even if the suspect has significantly changed their appearance—such as losing or gaining weight, or changing their hairstyle.

In the first episode of the YouTube series “Wonders of Forensics,” ICRF experts revealed some of the advanced technologies they use in criminal investigations. In particular, they discussed facial recognition technology, which was used in March of this year to catch a serial sexual offender operating in apartment building entryways.

Although the perpetrator was caught on security cameras installed in the building intercoms, the footage was blurry. To make matters more difficult, the main suspect had altered his appearance by losing 20 kilograms and shaving his head. Using specialized technology, experts created a three-dimensional model of the suspect’s head and overlaid frames from the cameras taken from different angles. As a result, the suspicion against the individual was confirmed.

The facial recognition technologies used by the ICRF can help identify a person even if they are completely covered in bulky clothing. For example, this kind of “disguise” did not save a contract killer hired to murder a businessman in Tambov. The crime was recorded by a surveillance camera, but the video did not allow for immediate identification of the suspect. Through video-technical analysis, forensic experts were able to determine the perpetrator’s height and body type with centimeter-level accuracy. With additional investigative measures, authorities were able to establish the suspect’s identity. Ultimately, the criminal was apprehended and confessed to the crime.