Tamil Nadu CM deepfake video used in NGO charity scam

Tamil Nadu police have arrested Sabhu Khan, a resident of Alwar in Rajasthan, for orchestrating an elaborate fraud scheme involving deepfake technology. The accused allegedly created artificial intelligence-generated videos impersonating Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and circulated them to unsuspecting victims to solicit donations under the guise of legitimate non-governmental organizations.

The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch's investigation revealed the sophisticated nature of the scam, where the deepfake videos were weaponized to establish credibility and manipulate victims into transferring money. By leveraging the Chief Minister's image and AI technology, the fraudster was able to convince multiple people of the authenticity of his fake charitable appeals.

The arrest marks a significant case in the growing misuse of deepfake technology for financial crimes across India. Authorities said the investigation uncovered how the accused targeted residents across Tamil Nadu, exploiting public trust in government figures and charitable organizations. The case has raised concerns about the increasing accessibility of AI tools for creating convincing synthetic media and their potential exploitation for criminal purposes.

Police have registered a formal case and are investigating whether Khan operated as part of a larger organized fraud network. Preliminary inquiries suggest the scam may have victimized multiple individuals, with authorities urging potential complainants to come forward with information about suspicious deepfake videos.