Cops use backdoored WhatsApp photo to extract fingerprints and convict user

Andrea James 8:30 am Tue Apr 17, 2018

South Wales Police announced they were able to access a WhatsApp user's photos through a backdoor, then extract fingerprint data from a picture of a weed dealer's hand to help convict 11 involved people.

The police said the "groundbreaking" work was done by the Joint Scientific Support Unit (JSIU):

Staff from the unit’s specialist imaging team were able to enhance a picture of a hand holding a number of tablets, which was taken from a mobile phone, before fingerprint experts were able to positively identify that the hand was that of Elliott Morris. […] Speaking about the pioneering techniques used in the case, Dave Thomas, forensic operations manager at the Scientific Support Unit, added: “Specialist staff within the JSIU fully utilised their expert image-enhancing skills which enabled them to provide something that the unit’s fingerprint identification experts could work. Despite being provided with only a very small section of the fingerprint which was visible in the photograph, the team were able to successfully identify the individual.”

• Pioneering fingerprint technique helps South Wales Police secure drugs convictions against 11 people (via Sputnik)

Image: Pexels

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