Abstract
DNA has been used as essential evidence in the investigation and resolution of crimes without suspects. Genetic profile databases were created with the objective of storing genetic profiles obtained from evidence found at crime scenes and from offenders. The comparison between questioned samples and reference samples enables genetic profile matches, which assist in the resolution of archived cases. Thus, this article presents data and discusses the importance and evolution of the National DNA Database (BNPG), as well as the participation of Brazilian states in the collaboration of the Integrated Network of Genetic Profile Databases (RIBPG) for the resolution of crimes without suspects. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out using data found in RIBPG reports from November 2014 to May 2023. Over the years, more than 190,000 genetic profiles were registered, and 6,790 matches contributed to assisting more than 5,000 criminal investigations. Therefore, the progress of forensic investigations in Brazil is the result of the strong growth of molecular biology, which, through the BNPG, has enabled the resolution of archived crimes that previously had no suspects. Consequently, the National DNA Database, as well as the collaboration of the Integrated Network of Genetic Profiles, demonstrated effectiveness in solving criminal cases, especially sexual crimes, particularly in the absence of suspects, preventing the conviction of innocent individuals and providing satisfactory answers to society and to the justice system.