DNA database will be created in Pridnestrovie

The DNA database will be created in Pridnestrovie after the entry into force of the law "On State Genomic Registration". The law-in-draft initiated by the President was adopted by the Supreme Council in the first reading today in the course of the plenary session. Genomic data will help criminologists and investigative bodies to quickly disclose committed crimes, more effectively search for missing persons, and establish a person's identity.

The law regulates only the use of a person's fingerprint data in Pridnestrovie now. As experts say, there are no fingerprints at the crime scene often, but criminals leave biological traces. Such "traces" are examined by forensic experts at the cellular level to establish who they belong to, and a DNA database is needed. Now, DNA research is used by the investigating authorities only in such cases when there is something to compare the traces from the crime scene.

The law “On State Genomic Registration” stipulates that only citizens who have been convicted and are serving sentences for committing grave or especially grave crimes, as well as all categories of crimes against sexual inviolability, will be subject to mandatory genomic registration. Biological material that was taken at the crime scene or during investigative actions and was not identified, as well as in relation to the victims, whose identity has not been established, will be necessarily entered into the DNA database. Any Pridnestrovian can voluntarily enter data on his DNA, but this procedure will be paid.

Legislation in the field of collecting and storing DNA is in different countries of the world. The experience of foreign countries shows that even if the base of biological material is 1% of the population, the crime detection rate becomes higher. Pridnestrovian experts are based on the experience of their Russian colleagues.

Deputies of the Supreme Council of the PMR, together with specialists from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, will continue working on the draft law "On state genomic registration in the PMR" for the second reading.

The implementation of the law requires funding from the republican budget. According to Sergei Cheban, since the 2021 budget has been adopted, it will be decided by the second reading when the law comes into force. If funds are found, then a phased introduction of the norms of the law in 2021 is possible, or from 2022 the new law “On State Genomic Registration” for the PMR will become fully effective.

Forensic experts of the State Institution "Department of Forensic Examinations of the PMR Ministry of Internal Affairs are in the photo.