METALLOGRAPHIC CHEMICAL EXAMINATION AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR REVEALING ALPHANUMERIC SEQUENTIALS ENGRAVED ON METAL SURFACES

Abstract

The increase in property crimes involving stolen or illegally appropriated vehicles, along with alteration of their identifying markings, has increased the demand for forensic operational procedures aimed at characterizing and mitigating the damage caused by such offenses to society. These frauds have become increasingly common within the scope of police investigations, in which Forensic Experts are engaged in the identification of original markings through chemical techniques, such as chemical-metallographic examinations. The metallography involves the application of controlled chemical etching to the metal surface where identifying characters have been engraved, removed, or remarked, with the goal of revealing the original information. This study aims to present a literature review on several fraudulent techniques employed by criminals to obliterate vehicle identification marks, emphasizing the importance of Forensic Chemistry as an auxiliary tool of Criminal Justice. Accordingly, the objective is to analyze the relevance of chemical-metallographic examinations as a means of assisting in vehicle identification and facilitating the return of property to its rightful owners, thereby contributing to the enforcement of the law. The analysis of metallographic techniques should not be viewed merely as a technical procedure, but as a crucial measure to ensure public safety and the protection of citizens' property rights.