DNA analysis, the «key» to solving (unsolved) CASES

Many cases involving life-threatening crimes, disappearances, and thefts were unresolved a few years ago. Today, however, as a result of advances in technology, some tools enable us to shine a light on even the darkest aspects of an investigation.

Private investigator Kostas Sotiropoulos reveals the “secrets” of modern and effective investigation.

DNA analysis is a unique and evolving “weapon” available to private investigators, allowing them to solve mysteries and unearth truths that would otherwise remain hidden in the shadows or leave some questions unanswered for an extended length of time. Kostas Sotiropoulos, who has worked in the field of private investigations for over three decades, explains the critical significance of a professional in solving challenging cases. Simultaneously, he reveals some of the “secrets” behind their success, using laboratory analysis as an ally. He goes on to say, “Our work is often not a simple matter, nor can it be approached superficially and without the right interconnected elements”. Aside from the (romantic) side that the word and concept of investigation provide to every professional in this field, it necessitates continuous study, professional training, a thorough understanding of applicable legislation, observant skills, attention to detail, and the confident placement of each piece of the puzzle in the appropriate empty spot. The characteristics of a successful Private Detective vary with each case, but absolute confidentiality along with strong empathy stand out. As he emphasizes, “The critical essence of the role is to quickly provide the right solution to problems our fellow humans are experiencing, whether on a personal or professional level. We stand by them responsibly for solving crimes against life, monitoring and supervising minors, preventing delinquent behaviors such as drugs, fan violence, devotion to religious cult organizations, online harassment of minors, investigating fake profiles, electronic fraud cases, locating missing persons, counterfeit products, industrial espionage investigations, theft investigations, and locating stolen objects, sexual crimes, and many other modern and classic offenses.”

Revelations from the experienced private investigator

Secrets to uncovering the truth
Investigating particular cases can be a challenging and one-of-a-kind experience. It implies enlisting the help of a private investigator who understands the gravity of the situation at hand. They have the skills and understanding to use the right tools every time, helping us to uncover the truth faster and more efficiently. These are “sensitive” investigations, which require particular procedures. We can tackle such difficult problems by using our network of partners in Greece and abroad. DNA analysis is a common way to enrich investigation records with powerful evidence and data.

The Role of DNA Analysis
DNA is the most fundamental element of life, found in hair, tissue, blood, and body fluids. It is unique to each individual, which means that even a tiny piece of a nail can contribute to the creation of a personalized profile. The chances of two people sharing the same DNA are about one in a billion. In other words, it’s extremely unlikely. Today, this “key” to solving cases enables us to narrow down suspects or identify missing persons more quickly. Detectives can take blood, hair, saliva, and other samples from nearly anything, including hats, linens, toothpicks, and toothbrushes. These samples are transferred to a specialized laboratory, and the results play an important role in the investigation.

Currently, DNA analysis is widely utilized in private investigations for a variety of purposes, including paternity or maternity determination, identifying other biological relationships, forensic cases, thefts, murders, and sexual abuse. These tools play a crucial role in solving cases, as demonstrated in practice. Just looking at some of the cases that our office and network of partners have handled demonstrates the importance of this analysis in getting to a resolution!

The Lost Brother
One of the cases we handled was the search for a missing brother. These were poor family children who were adopted by other households many years ago, separating the siblings. As time passed, the younger sister living in Hungary contacted our office with a key piece of information she had. What she wanted was our help in finding her missing biological brother and, of course, meeting him. With discretion, we took on the case and went on a lengthy investigation, leveraging our large network of contacts in Greece and overseas, eventually yielding a result. We identified an individual who met several of the desired requirements after gathering information and, of course, carefully compiling it. The missing brother was living in a village in northern Germany with his adoptive father, unaware that he had a sister. The key to a comprehensive solution, however, is the discovery of genetic material to prove an unambiguous biological link between these two individuals. The identification was carried out correctly and legally in such circumstances, engaging both parties through DNA collection and analysis. Thus, the research was completed without any uncertainty about the precise outcome; the biological siblings met. Notably, this family reunion resulted in a professional relationship, with the two siblings working together to market products across Central Europe. From what I know, they are doing very professionally.

DNA Always Tells the Truth
There are numerous cases that we were able to solve relatively instantly. One such case was that of Mr. “Lifelong,” as we nicknamed him during our research, because he continually yelled, “Lifelong, lifelong to anyone who laid a hand, lifelong.” A considerable amount of jewelry with sentimental and financial value was stolen in a regional town.

After conducting a thorough investigation, my colleagues and I found two individuals, one of whom was a first-degree relative. They committed significant mistakes and contradictions while “leading” these people using specialized methods. With the cooperation of those concerned, genetic material was taken for examination to identify particular events. In combination with the rest of our investigative work, we identified an individual who was not initially considered a likely suspect (Mr. ‘Lifelong’), and we concluded that he was ultimately the sole person responsible for the crime. He had moved all of the jewelry to another room in the same house where he had committed the theft.

He planned to wait until he felt secure, then take the items elsewhere and distribute them, hoping that this would not draw suspicion. Mr. “Lifelong” turned out to be our client’s brother and a prominent individual in society. It was then revealed that he had been blackmailed by people who had obtained material from his romantic encounters with a young foreigner working in their area. They extorted money from him, claiming they were going to disclose the material to his family and acquaintances. This prompted him to plot the theft.

The DNA Test Spoke
There are instances when DNA analysis reveals vital facts, and it must. Such a situation came to our attention when a family asked us to look into whether their teenage daughter’s socialization was appropriate and free of inappropriate interactions. Following our monitoring by physical presence and other means, we discovered that the young girl was regrettably affiliated with inappropriate persons who were ravaging the northern suburbs with illicit activities. These persons contacted young people and, depending on the situation, entered under various pretexts. We noticed that the young girl met with someone almost every week. They walked through the narrow streets of the area without saying much, and they parted ways without exchanging or indicating that they had discussed anything. After an investigation, in which we were lucky to combine evidence, the young man in this group was using the girl as a clever ploy to divert and distract neighbors’ attention away from residences with burglary prevention measures in place. This was done to make it easier for him to identify any security measures that certain houses may have in place to prevent burglary.

Following our investigation, we discovered that the girl had been involved in sexual relations while under the influence of a narcotic substance and had been threatened with the disclosure of this information to acquaintances and her family. She started getting involved in tough situations, fearful that her family members would find out everything in which she had participated. We discovered the drug that the girl used following an investigation with the help of DNA analysis, which was carried out after her parents (discreetly) took hair samples from her while she was asleep. With all of the elements of the situation in which the underage girl was involved, and with the help of a specialized child psychiatrist, the girl was supported and reintegrated into normalcy, promptly disengaging and preventing the worst. Our rigorous investigation, combined with the excellent answers of DNA analysis, produced immediate and 100% successful results.

What to Look Out For
When hiring a Private Investigator, make sure to ask for guarantees about the quality of the services you will receive. Verify that you hired the services of a private investigation agency with an official and current operating license from the Greek state. Pay great attention to any awards that an agency advertises, and always ask for evidence to prove that they are genuine rather than fabricated or photocopied paperwork. Equally vital is to approach companies with experience, technical expertise, and a network of partners. Remember that an investigation may necessitate the involvement of multiple parties to get conclusive answers and unravel the case.

Kostas Sotiropoulos
Private Detective
Sotiropoulos & Associates

Τηλ.: 210 32 17000
Website: www.sotiropoulos-24h.gr
Email: [email protected]