Dr. John Olsson was an internationally renowned forensic linguist whose expertise centered on the authorship analysis of anonymous documents, including hoax letters, ransom demands, and product contamination threats. His work extended to linguistic code-breaking, and he provided testimony in courtrooms across multiple countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. His cases spanned a wide range of criminal activities, from murder and terrorism to fraud, narcotics distribution, and organized crime.
Beyond his forensic work, Olsson was recognized for his contributions to the field of linguistics, particularly in the application of language analysis to criminal investigations. His specialized knowledge made him a sought-after expert in deciphering the linguistic patterns of anonymous texts, aiding law enforcement in solving complex cases. His career demonstrated a unique intersection of language study and legal practice, establishing him as a leading authority in forensic linguistics.