AI-generated deepfake of Sadhguru used in investment scam defrauding woman of ₹3.75 crore
Fraudsters used an AI-generated deepfake video of spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev to convince a 57-year-old Bengaluru woman to invest in a fake trading platform, reportedly defrauding her of ₹3.75 crore between February and April 2025. The victim, unaware of deepfake technology, was manipulated through a combination of the synthetic video and social engineering tactics involving false profit demonstrations. Bengaluru Cyber Police registered a case and are investigating the matter.
What happened
Between February 25 and April 23, 2025, fraudsters used an AI-generated deepfake video of spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev to promote a fake online trading platform called Mirrox. The video, shared on social media, claimed Sadhguru had been trading with the firm and encouraged viewers to pay $250 USD to improve their finances.
A 57-year-old retired woman from CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, unaware of deepfake technology, watched the video and followed the instructions, providing her name, email, and phone number. She was contacted by a fraudster calling himself Waleed B, who claimed to represent Mirrox, and was added to a WhatsApp group with approximately 100 members.
The scammers conducted trading tutorials via Zoom and employed psychological manipulation tactics, with group members sharing fabricated profit screenshots to build trust. The woman transferred Rs 3,75,72,121 across multiple transactions into accounts provided by the fraudsters between February and April.
Reported impact
The woman attempted to withdraw her supposed profits and discovered the scam when fraudsters demanded additional payments for processing fees and taxes. Upon refusing to pay these extra charges, all communication from the fraudsters ceased.
A police officer stated that recovery of the lost money would be challenging, though authorities were coordinating with banks to freeze the fraudsters' accounts. The woman filed her complaint nearly five months after the fraud concluded.
Index analysis
The incident demonstrates how deepfake technology can be weaponized to impersonate well-known figures and manipulate victims through a combination of synthetic media and social engineering tactics. The victim's lack of awareness about deepfake technology made her vulnerable to the fraudsters' claims.
Governance controls
In June 2025, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and his Isha Foundation filed a lawsuit in Delhi High Court against the misuse of his identity through AI-generated deepfakes. Bengaluru Cyber Police registered a case and initiated an investigation under cybercrime provisions.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.