Digital Evidence & OSINT: Prosecuting War Crimes
The Nuremberg Trials were probably the first ones to prosecute individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity. At the time, the prosecution relied mainly on witness testimony and paper records.
Today, evidence of the commission of war crimes is bound to include or be exclusively based on digital evidence. Whether this is used in an international tribunal, a national court or a court marshall, the role of digital evidence cannot be understated.
Digital evidence from mobile phones, social media, photos and videos, CCTV, audio recordings, intercepted communication, drone footage, GPS devices, vehicle onboard computers, smart watches and other gadgets, is bound to be found.
Placing someone at the locus becomes even easier, even in the absence of eyewitnesses. It is often that evidence can be identified in footage or photos people shared earlier, for the same or an unrelated event.
Challenges caused by Gen AI, will need to be addressed, and Forensic Intelligence together with Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) are two of the most important tools in the investigator’s arsenal. Synthetic Media, Deep Fakes and disinformation, will blur reality and hinder the delivery of justice.
Last but not least, “real evidence” from the wrong place and time, is a major contributor to disinformation relating to war crimes. Footage from previous conflicts, present as something from a current one.
Join Basil Manoussos, talking about the issues faced when dealing with digital evidence during the prosecution of war crimes.
Organiser
Strathclyde Forensics Ltd
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/strathclydeforensics