Analyzing Brazilian Driver’s License Authenticity by Easy Ambient Sonic-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Fast and unequivocal methods of questioned document analysis are essential in forensic science. Here, a desorption/ionization technique, EASI-MS, was assessed for its ability to investigate questioned driver's licenses (DL). Two suspects DL, displaying the same personal data in the proper fields (name and ID numbers), but with different individual photos, showing similar impressions on microscopic analysis, and authentic standards documents specimens were used as test cases. Profiles from authentic DL surface were dominated by a set of few minor ions, mainly from the plasticizers bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and dibutylphthalate. The seized suspect counterfeit DL on points from personal data and photo were, however, dominated by abundant diagnostic ions of m/z 463, 507, 551, 595, 639, 683, which confirmed counterfeiting. Surfynol ® and Nonoxynol-9 ® , which are common constituents of inkjet printing, were detected in the counterfeiting areas by high-accuracy EASI(+)-FT-ICR MS. The EASI-MS technique is shown therefore to offer an attractive tool for forensic investigation of questioned documents.

EASI‐IMS an expedite and secure technique to screen for 25I‐NBOH in blotter papers

“…Easy ambient sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI‐MS) is one of the most applied of such techniques and has been extensively and successfully applied in forensic chemistry due to its high simplicity and sample preparation and voltage‐free nature. The non‐destructive analysis requiring little if any sample preparation that preserves sample integrity has been ideal in forensic investigations as such as for ink dating and document forgery . Even more sophisticated analysis with 2D spatial resolution can be obtained via imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), which provides spatially specific chemical composition information on surfaces .…”