AI-Generated Deepfake Video Misused Albanian Figures to Promote Fake Miracle Cream
An AI-generated deepfake video circulating on Facebook reportedly misused images of Albanian emergency medicine doctor Skënder Brataj and journalist Blendi Fevziu to fraudulently promote a fake miracle cream. Both men expressed concern about the manipulated content spreading health misinformation and influencing citizens to seek treatment based on false claims.
What happened
A manipulated video created using AI applications has been circulating on Facebook, misusing the images of Skënder Brataj, head of Albania's National Emergency Centre, and journalist Blendi Fevziu of TV Klan to promote a purported miracle cream.
In the deepfake video, Fevziu is shown reporting on a physical attack against Brataj allegedly carried out by "pharmaceutical mafia" because Brataj had distributed a video promoting a cream claiming to cure a long list of diseases. The video falsely attributes statements and events to both men.
Reported impact
Brataj reported that misleading materials of this kind have been circulating on social media for months and expressed concern because citizens are seeking treatment at the National Emergency Medical Centre based on false claims in the videos. He stated that citizens contact him regularly on social media with questions, and that he receives elderly patients believing in the false medical claims.
Fevziu described the case as "scandalous" and stated that "pure and dangerous manipulation" could negatively affect citizens' health. Brataj noted that "people believe in these videos," citing an example of an elderly man from Lezha who insisted on hearing confirmation from Brataj himself despite his son explaining the deception.
Index analysis
Brataj reported the posts to Facebook multiple times, but these efforts have not stopped the spread of the videos. He also activated the cybercrime sector within the state police. According to Brataj, experts informed him that the publishers of these videos are not located in Albania.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.