As critics warn of genetic 'surveillance', RCMP explores use of DNA matching in criminal probes

For years, he was only known as Septic Tank Sam — a macabre nickname the RCMP pinned on a disfigured body pulled from a septic tank in rural Alberta in the late 1970s.

But this past summer saw a breakthrough: Septic Tank Sam got his name back.

Through a Texas-based DNA lab that uses genetic genealogy, the RCMP in Alberta was able to identify the deceased as Gordie Sanderson, who had been reported missing decades earlier.

Using DNA extracted from his bones, Othram Inc. was able to build a genetic profile by uploading his information to public genetic databases.

While Sanderson's homicide remains an open file, it now has a name, a history and new sense of urgency.

"He deserved to have his name restored," said Othram CEO David Mittelman.

"Techniques like this give us the opportunity to help basically piece families back together and let them heal, whether it's to return a loved one that was missing, or to seek justice for a loved one that was harmed."

While law enforcement's use of genetic genealogy has been credited with advancing and solving cold cases, it's also raising ethical questions about how police are taking advantage of the at-home DNA testing trend.

"There have been some pretty big wins with this technology, but the downsides are pretty big as well," said Brenda McPhail, director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association's privacy, surveillance and technology program.

"Our genetic information is quite literally the most personal, intimate information that there is about us, which means that it's deserving of the highest level of protection that we can provide it."

Investigative genetic genealogy — famous for its role in catching the Golden State Killer — involves scouring private genealogical companies' databases for matches to identify a familial relationship or a likely suspect.

It piggybacks off the rise of private sector genealogical companies, used by people to explore their family heritage or determine their odds of contracting hereditary diseases.

The RCMP says it's reviewing the legitimacy of using genetic genealogy in investigations — even as it continues to use the technique in the meantime.

Apart from employing the services of Othram Inc., the RCMP also signed a $98,000 contract with U.S..-based Parabon NanoLabs in early 2018 — something first reported by the Globe and Mail.