To Solve a Cold Case, French Police Bent DNA Privacy Law
Summary
This episode explores how French police solved the "Predator of the Woods" cold case by bypassing strict EU privacy laws to use US genetic genealogy databases. Host Jessica Mendoza and correspondent Matthew Dalton discuss the tension between solving violent crimes and protecting data privacy, contrasting Europe’s restrictive norms with America’s approach. The story highlights the arrest of suspect Bruno Lambrich-Gonsalvo and the ongoing legal debate over legitimizing this investigative technique in Europe.
Topics discussed
The Predator of the Woods: A French Cold Case
Sponsors: Harvey AI and Tremphaya
Genetic Genealogy and Recreational DNA Testing
Solving the Golden State Killer Case
European Privacy Laws vs. US DNA Databases
French Police Seek FBI Help to Crack the Case
Sponsors: Optum and Claude Cowork
Precedent: Sweden's Use of Genetic Genealogy
Tracing the Suspect Through Family Trees
Arrest and Suicide of Bruno Lambrish-Gonsalvo
Legal Challenges and Future of DNA Policing in Europe
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