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Trick Me If You Can: How AI Solved a Murder Case Using Biometrics
What started as an ordinary April day for employees of the Chinese microfinance organization (MFO) Money Station quickly turned extraordinary when their AI-powered facial recognition system flagged a chilling anomaly.
The system sent a notification to the employees' messenger: "The client in the photo has their eyes closed. Confirmation of the loan is required."
Attached to the message was a photo from the online verification process. The image showed a young woman with a face marked by severe bruising, and a bright scarlet stripe was visible on her neck. The AI system also noted a discrepancy: the loan application was submitted under a woman’s name, but the voice used during the verification was distinctly male.
Alarmed by the AI’s findings, the operators immediately contacted the police, attaching the biometric check data.
A Crime Uncovered
Acting on the information provided by the system, the Chinese prosecutor's office approved the detention of the suspect. They tracked the geolocation recorded by the mobile app and arrested a 29-year-old man named Zhang at his parents' farm in the countryside, where he was attempting to burn the body of his ex-girlfriend.
The gruesome details of the crime shocked even seasoned investigators. On April 11, 2019, Zhang had a heated argument with his girlfriend over money. When she tried to end the relationship, he reacted violently, beating her and strangling her with a rope. Zhang then rented a car, hid her body in the trunk, and fled to the countryside. There, he impersonated his deceased girlfriend, contacting her employer via messenger to report her "sick leave" and attempting to secure a loan through Money Station’s online platform.
How AI Foiled the Killer’s Plan
Zhang was unaware of the advanced facial recognition technology embedded in Money Station’s mobile app. The system included several layers of verification, such as liveness detection, which requires users to blink to confirm they are alive and not a mask, photo, or video. When Zhang failed this step, the system flagged the anomaly and escalated the case to the Head of Security for further review.
While Zhang had managed to withdraw 30,000 yuan from his ex-girlfriend’s bank account using a mobile banking app, he was caught off guard when his attempt to secure a loan led to a police raid and, eventually, a lengthy prison sentence.
The Role of Biometric Technology
Biometric.Vision’s liveness detection technology, used in Money Station’s system, can determine within seconds whether a live person is in front of the camera. If suspicious behavior is detected—such as a lack of eye movement—the system immediately alerts company operators for further investigation. This robust security measure not only helps prevent fraud but, as in this case, can aid in solving serious crimes.
A Safer Future Through Technology
This incident highlights the growing importance of biometric technology in ensuring security and preventing fraud. By leveraging AI and advanced verification systems, businesses can safeguard their platforms and even contribute to solving crimes.
For more stories about how modern technology is shaping our world, follow our updates. To learn more about biometric technology, visit our website at Biometric.Vision.