In a groundbreaking development, Ghaziabad police are actively pursuing a case involving deepfake technology, where criminals utilized AI-generated content to extort Rs 74,000 from a 76-year-old man, Arvind Sharma. The victim, a resident of Govindpuram, fell prey to a video call on his recently created Facebook profile, leading to a series of threatening encounters.
The perpetrators reportedly employed a video featuring the face and voice of a retired IPS officer, a former ADG in the UP Police, to intimidate Sharma. Subsequently, the criminals demanded money under the threat of leaking potentially embarrassing footage.
Taking swift action, law enforcement authorities have sought information from the telecom service provider regarding the mobile phone number used in the extortion scheme. Additionally, they have reached out to the bank to trace the account details where Sharma’s transferred funds landed.
The disturbing sequence of events began when Sharma received a video call on his Facebook profile, featuring explicit content that prompted him to terminate the call. However, an hour later, he found himself facing a more sinister threat on his WhatsApp account. The caller, disguised in a police uniform, coerced Sharma into paying the demanded amount.
This marks the first reported case of deepfake involvement in Ghaziabad, raising concerns about the growing sophistication of cybercriminals. The victim’s family only became aware of the extortion scheme after a considerable sum had been extorted, prompting them to approach the Kavi Nagar police station.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are grappling with the challenges posed by this innovative use of technology in criminal activities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the need for increased vigilance in the digital realm.
