Request

Your request for information dated 11 May 2026 is copied below.

I would please like to make a freedom of information request regarding the Northern Constabulary investigation of the June 2, 1994, murder of Shamsuddin Mahmood in Orkney.

I would like to request information about ballistic examinations of the 9mm brass bullet casing recovered from the scene of the crime. The reference number for the casing is V01270. I also wish to ask about the 9mm bullet itself, which was found lodged in plasterboard at the crime scene. The reference number for the bullet is V01303. (I am not certain if the V in the reference numbers are followed by the number 0 or the letter O so please consider both).

During the inquiry, the 9mm casing was compared with other casings recovered by police to determine if the same weapon fired both. By way of the FOI act, I would please like to request a complete list of the ballistic examinations of the casing and bullet. 

In each instance, please provide:

1. The type of examination (please be specific about the particular technique used).
2. What the results of the examination were (please include the details summarising the findings).
3. The date the examination was carried out.
4. The laboratory where the examination was undertaken.
5. If a ballistic examination was planned/requested but not undertaken, please include the reasons why this did not happen.
6. If any ballistic examination was carried out in connection with a named law enforcement operation, please state its name (for example, the cold case review of Mr Mahmood's murder was entitled Operation Azure).

I would like to request this information from the investigation of Mr Mahmood's murder and any other crimes or enquiries the casing and bullet were examined in connection with. This could include crimes that were committed before the murder of Mr Mahmood. It could also includes examinations that took place since the 2008 conviction for Mr Mahmood's murder.