Triplets fail in attempt to use identical DNA to avoid jail

Identical triplets from England who “tried to exploit their identical DNA” have been jailed for firearms offenses after police were able to successfully determine that all three brothers were involved in a series of gun crimes.

Ricky and Ralston Gabriel, 28, both semi-professional footballers, were found guilty of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

The third triplet, Reiss, was found guilty of the same charge and three other offenses. He was sentenced to 18 years behind bars.

The triplets from North London were the last of eight men to be charged in relation to the seizure of three guns — an Uzi submachine gun, a self-loading pistol and a loaded revolver — and ammunition by cops in April 2017.

After the first four men were sentenced, police conducted DNA tests on the pistol and discovered DNA linked to the triplets, CNN reported.

Police used mobile phone and surveillance evidence to prove the involvement of all three men, since the DNA could not be linked to just one of them.

“The trio tried to exploit their identical DNA and appearance to try and evade the consequences of their actions, but the hard work of the investigation team prevented their attempts,” Scotland Yard temporary Detective Chief Inspector Driss Hayoukane said.

At their sentencing, Judge John Hillen said “All three of you were involved in an agreement to source and deliver the weapons to an extremely dangerous criminal, Aron Thomas, for his use.”

Thomas, 32, received a life sentence in prison after being found guilty on two counts of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

“These types of weapons would have been used against a person or persons, and a police intervention is the only reason any serious harm did not occur,” Hillen said, according to local media.