TEHRAN, Aug. 09 (MNA) � Head of Iranian Legal Medicine says the country will compile a massive DNA database on some 25,000 hardcore criminals by mid-March, 2016.

Ahmad Shojaei, head of Iranian Legal Medicine, said on Sunday the DNA database has already started collecting DNA samples from people with criminal records in several provinces and will have registered the DNA information of some 25,000 hardcore criminals by mid-March 2016 .

A DNA database can be used in the analysis of genetic diseases, genetic fingerprinting for criminology, or genetic genealogy. The database is compiled by deriving a sample of human material, such as saliva, hair or dried blood, collected from a crime scene or police suspects. The DNA database has proved be a valuable tool in the fight against crime.

The database can also help in identifying missing people and unidentified remains. The later phases of Iran's project will also include DNA samples from lesser criminals, members of the Parliament, ministers, various prominent figures, reporters, and the general public.

By Mehr News Agency