News
23-May-2007 - Tackling benefit fraud using forensic evidence -
LGC wins Department for Work and Pensions contract
DWP
adds
forensic DNA analysis to range of services supplied by LGC
Forensics - from the examination of handwriting and documents to
mobile phone and computer investigations
LGC Forensics is to supply forensic services to the UK
Department for Work and Pensions under a renewed and expanded
contract. This forensic work will assist DWP in the detection of
benefit fraud estimated to have cost the UK taxpayer around £700
million in 2005-2006*.
Dr Angela Gallop, Director, LGC Forensics, said: "Fraud
investigations require meticulous attention to detail. We very much
value our continued work for DWP in forensic document examination
and believe that the combination of this expertise with our
forensic DNA capability and Digital Crime Unit adds a powerful and
positive dimension to DWP’s national campaign in tackling benefit
fraud. The wide range of our skills and expertise means that we can
take a holistic approach to each investigation and advise DWP on
the best way to maximise scientific evidence recovery and achieve
greatest evidential value."
LGC Forensics has provided the forensic science requirement to
DWP and its predecessors for more than 30 years, delivered by the
Questioned Documents team, augmented in recent times by the Digital
Crime Unit for the recovery and collation of data from mobile
telephones, SIM cards and computers. Now, so that the work of DWP
can keep pace with criminal developments in fraud against the
Benefit Payment System, forensic DNA analysis at LGC Forensics will
provide investigators with additional evidence, intelligence and
expert testimony admissible in court. Any fingerprint casework will
be sub-contracted to our colleagues in Surrey Police with whom we
have forged a close working relationship.
Oliver Thorne, Team Leader, Questioned Documents, LGC Forensics
commented: "We look for evidence from handwriting,
obliterations, alterations, erasures, indented impressions and
evidence of tampering with envelopes. Using a broad range of
analytical techniques, we can compare paper, printing, inks,
hand-stamps and stamp impressions, typefaces and the output from
fax machines, typewriters, photocopiers and printers. We even piece
together damaged, torn or shredded documents when
required."
LGC Forensics undertakes forensic examinations for a wide range
of government departments, police forces and lawyers, amongst other
clients.
*Source: www.dwp.gov.uk
Notes to Editors