DNA identification and case detection

DNA identification and case detection

The case of the jewellery theft

Even the experienced FBI hounds would envy the solving of the theft of the diamond jewellery of a wealthy Constantinopolitan woman, which was achieved thanks to the ingenious talent of a former NSA agent and the first specialized Greek DNA analysis and identification laboratory. The story brought to light today by Espresso could be the script for a novel by Agatha Christie. As the protagonists note, “sometimes life itself goes far beyond imagination”. According to former NSA agent and private investigator Nikolaos Pelekasis, “it all started about two months ago. I went to a house in Kolonaki and met a beautiful aristocrat, aged 75, who lived alone.”

Continuing his narrative, Mr. Pelekasis tells us that the aristocratic lady told him: “My parents of myself and my husband were from Constantinople. They came here, made a large fortune and my husband and I made a larger one. However, we did not have children. My husband died. It is the wish of both of us that when we pass away, our huge fortune should go to our relatives. That is what I intend to do, so that is why on Sunday afternoon I called my husband’s relatives. In the afternoon I called my own relatives. Late in the evening and after they had all left, I saw the drawer of the old furniture a little open. I noticed that my jewelry was missing from inside. How can you help me find the thief without exposing the others, because the issue for me is moral and not financial.”

DNA identification and case detection:

The list of suspects in the jewellery theft

The private detective took over the private investigation and as he says. “I advised her not to touch the drawer and I immediately asked for the help of Mr. George Fitsialos. He is a PhD in genetics and director general of the European Centre for Genetics and DNA Identification – DNAlogy. The first specialized private Greek DNA analysis and identification laboratory of international standards, with whom I work. I took the drawer in which the very expensive jewellery was kept and handed it over to the laboratory”.

Mr. Pelekasis and the 75-year-old wealthy mistress then drew up a list of suspects. It included a total of ten people, who were also her heirs.

“I discreetly collected an object from each of them, possibly for DNA identification. We took them to Dr. Fitsialos’ laboratory and suspect number 7 was identified as the perpetrator.” The private investigator went on to reveal what followed with the impatient heir.

“The next day I met with the lady and asked her to call the perpetrator on the phone and ask him to visit her. I was present at the meeting and the lady told him: “What you took alone is what belongs to you.” The perpetrator pretended not to understand until I showed him the evidence.

DNA analysis technology and its use in case finding

The private laboratory founded by Dr. Fitsialos, an expert of the Greek judicial authorities in biological material identification and DNA analysis, in Athens, now offers the authorities the possibility to solve many criminal acts immediately and with absolute safety.

Dr. Fitsialos, after having worked for many years with the French authorities and managed to successfully analyze important evidence that led to the solving of difficult cases, came to our country in order to assist with his experience and knowledge the Greek law enforcement authorities in cases that have been or will be in the future of Greek society, such as murders, rapes, terrorism, kidnappings.

The state-of-the-art DNA laboratories can help in solving many criminal activities by examining the biological material that can be found at the scene of a crime. Exploitable evidence may include bloodstains or even food that the perpetrator may have tasted and left saliva samples.

The DNA analysis and identification process begins as soon as Dr. Fitsialos gets his hands on genetic material, which can be saliva, sweat, blood or even a hair. Even the most fragile genetic materials (such as sweat and saliva), if not directly exposed to sun or moisture, can keep genetic material intact for up to two years. Subsequently, the state-of-the-art laboratory in Glyfada determines whether the DNA is usable and its quantity is sufficient. It is then analysed in three stages by precision machines, in which the DNA samples are checked, compared and possibly verified for similarity to the extent that the possibility of error is practically excluded.
DNA identification and case detection. Detective Pelekasis Nikos and Associates.

“The above text may be indicative of practices and methods used in the past. Some tactics and methods may now be applicable under the new law 5005/22 concerning the procedure for the removal of privacy of communications, cybersecurity and protection of personal data of citizens.”