AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating Vietnamese celebrities for product scams
AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating Vietnamese actor Lý Hải and his wife were circulated to advertise health supplements and unverified products. Lý Hải publicly warned that the videos were highly realistic and posed fraud risks, especially to elderly people, and stated all advertising content was unauthorized and unverified.
What happened
AI-generated deepfake videos began circulating in Vietnam impersonating actor and director Lý Hải and his wife Minh Hà, using synthesized versions of their faces and voices to advertise health supplements and unverified products.
On 1 May 2026, Lý Hải issued a public warning that the videos were highly sophisticated and realistic, making them convincing to viewers. He stated that all advertising content in the videos was false, unverified, and not authorized by him or his wife.
Reported impact
The videos posed a fraud risk, particularly to elderly people and other vulnerable groups who might be deceived by the sophisticated visual and audio forgeries and transfer money or purchase products through unfamiliar links.
Multiple Vietnamese celebrities including Quyền Linh, Nhật Kim Anh, Hồ Ngọc Hà, Ngô Thanh Vân, Mỹ Tâm, Đại Nghĩa, and Quốc Trường have reported being impersonated through similar deepfake videos used for fraud, investment scams, or product advertising.
Index analysis
The incident is part of a broader wave of AI-enabled impersonation of public figures in Vietnam using deepfake technology for commercial fraud and deceptive purposes.
In one similar case in January 2026, Ho Chi Minh City police identified and summoned two individuals involved in spreading AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating television host Quyền Linh with false arrest narratives.
Governance controls
Vietnam's Artificial Intelligence Law explicitly prohibits using AI technology to impersonate individuals or events for deception or manipulation of public perception, and such activities violate personal honor and reputation while creating financial harm risks.
Public figures, authorities, and civil society organizations have called on the public to verify information from official channels only, avoid suspicious links and unverified product purchases, and remain vigilant against AI-generated content.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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