Crime Scene Technology: A French Scale-Up Targeting the Global Market
Published on October 2, 2025, by Olivier Ducuing
Crime Scene Technology (CST), a French scale-up and winner of the 2025 Scale-up of the Year award for the Nord region, is marking a decisive milestone in its development. Leveraging its patented cutting-edge technology and a growing portfolio of international contracts, CST is investing heavily in a state-of-the-art facility to support its rapid growth, with ambitions to become a global standard in securing official documents.
From Fingerprint Analysis to Global Document Security Leader
Founded by Cosimo Prete, a former forensic science expert, CST originally specialized in fingerprint revelation techniques. The company’s high-profile references include law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and Scotland Yard. However, today, forensic science accounts for only a small percentage of CST’s business, with approximately 95% of its revenue generated through exports—though exact figures remain confidential to protect the company from competitive threats.
Over recent years, CST has strategically shifted focus toward the protection of sovereign documents and combating fraud. This includes passports, identity cards, and driving licenses. CST’s breakthrough lies in its proprietary optical technology called OVM (Optical Variable Material). Backed by 50 patents granted and pending, this technology is currently deployed in 30 countries worldwide.
Revolutionary OVM Technology
CST’s OVM technology exists either as a polycarbonate raw material or in the form of secure inks. It harnesses a unique combination of chemical and optical properties that create a visible color shift to the naked eye depending on the background or under ultraviolet light. This feature enables security officials to validate documents instantly and reliably, providing a strong deterrent against forgery and counterfeiting.
Expanding International Footprint with Long-Term Contracts
The company has secured numerous governmental contracts globally, including Australian and Latvian passports, Mexico’s consular cards, and most notably, German biometric passports introduced last year. "When we enter a market, it’s usually for five to ten years. Today, we have revenue visibility extending over the next decade," Cosimo Prete notes proudly. With a lean team of 17 employees, CST is experiencing double-digit growth and has maintained profitability for four years, though specific financial details remain undisclosed.
Strong Investor Confidence
CST’s promising outlook has attracted several investors over the years. After early investment rounds involving Finovam, FIRA, and Nord France Amorçage in 2015, the German chemical giant Covestro invested in 2020 before transferring its stake to Pascal Cagni’s C4 Industries fund. To scale up production and operations, CST recently invested several million euros in a 1,200 square meter ultra-secure facility located at Omega Parc in Elancourt (Yvelines), neighboring industry giants like Thalès and Airbus.
Striving for Recognition in France Amid International Success
Despite receiving numerous accolades and enjoying significant international recognition, CST has yet to secure a dominant presence in its home country of France. "No one is a prophet in their own land," says Cosimo Prete with a smile, even though he frequently joins French presidential delegations abroad.
Looking Ahead
With its unique technology, robust international contracts, and ambitious expansion plans, Crime Scene Technology is poised to cement its position as a leader in global document security. Its move to the new ultra-secure facility marks the beginning of an exciting growth phase as it strives to set worldwide standards in securing sensitive documents and fighting fraud.
The 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year award, which recognized CST as Scale-up of the Year for the Nord region, is organized by EY in partnership with Edmond de Rothschild, Samsic, and Verlingue, with support from Bpifrance.
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