News item | 16-05-2025 | 17:05
The cabinet wants to make it possible to purchase cell material in the investigation phase in the event of a serious crime, so that a DNA profile can still be drawn up for untraceable convicted persons. Minister Van Weel of Justice and Security sends a amendment proposal of the current DNA investigation by convicted people (DNA-V Act) to the Lower House for this. With this amendment to the law, it can be prevented that – as is now regularly happening – no cell material is available from people who can be found after their conviction.
Minister Van Weel: “Currently, about 87% of the convicted people who fall under the scope of the DNA-V Act, a DNA profile is included in the DNA database. By moving forward to 96%, it can be expected to increase that more things can be solved in a place of delict. convicted person. ”
Cell material is currently being taken after someone has been convicted for a serious crime. However, some of the convicts do not show up and can be found, so that their DNA material cannot be included in the database. With this proposal, the moment of decrease is brought forward: during the investigation, if someone is suspected of a serious crime. This does not mean that it may be used immediately for DNA testing. The cell material is stored in a separate secure environment after purchasing and not yet processed in the database. A DNA profile is only drawn up and processed in the DNA database after someone has been convicted. If that does not happen, the cell material is destroyed.
The Council of State advised on this proposal, after which a number of changes were made. Now treatment follows in the Second and Senate.