I-familia: identifying missing persons globally through family DNA matching

The first of its kind, I-Familia is a global database for identifying missing persons based on international DNA kinship matching. The result of cutting-edge scientific research, the database seeks to identify missing persons or unidentified human remains when direct comparison is not possible, by using DNA samples from family members instead. This is a complex process – even more so when carried out internationally – which is where INTERPOL can play a unique role through its global network. The driving principle behind I-Familia is humanitarian. Its aim is to reunite loved ones or to bring closure to cases and allow families to rebuild their lives.