Investigative genetic genealogy

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Investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), also known as forensic genetic genealogy (FGG), and forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) is the emerging practice of utilizing genetic information from direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies for identifying suspects or victims in criminal cases. As of December 2023, the use of this technology has solved a total of 651 criminal cases, including 318 individual perpetrators who were brought to light. There have also been 464 decedents identified, as well as 4 living Does. The investigative power of genetic genealogy revolves around the use of publicly accessible genealogy databases such as GEDMatch and Family TreeDNA. On GEDMatch, users are able to upload their genetic data from any direct-to-consumer company in an effort to identify relatives that have tested at companies other than their own. Identifying unknown subjects through investigative genetic genealogy is done through the use of analysis of identity-by-descent (IBD) segments...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/ Holly Patrick, MS, MPH, Public domain