Entry #2

Ok, so this report is in partnership with Shermaine, so we'll have the same reports on our blogs. It's the chromatography report, by the way.

RGS CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

Date: 31 July 2012

Evidence analysed by: Shermaine Si Ying Ying [24] & Charlotte Ong Zhi Xin [21]

Description of evidence:

Nature of evidence: different types of ink on cheque

Techniques used in gathering research: Paper chromatography

Description of observation:

Samples 1, 3, 5 and 6 produced no Rf value as there was no coloured pigment observed on the chromatography strip. Samples 2 and 4 both produced an approximate Rf value of 0.833. The diagrams below depict the observations noted. However, because the pictures taken of the actual samples were unclear, these diagrams serve as a clearer visual aid in understanding the observations.

Since in samples 1, 3, 5 and 6 where the analyte did not separate itself after immersion in the aqueous solvent [water], these samples [the majority: 4/6] were not forged. However, in samples 2 and 4, where the analyte separated itself into 2 distinct pigments with similar Rf values, these samples are most probably forged.

Concluding Statement:

The information on the cheque has been altered by an unknown third party with a distinctively different pen ink that is ethanol reactive [organic solvent], and hence the accuracy of the cheque is compromised.