AI-generated deepfakes exploit Ronaldo and Montenegro in fraudulent campaigns in Portugal
Researchers from IBERIFIER reported that AI-generated deepfake videos and altered screenshots were used in fraudulent schemes between March and May 2025 in Portugal, falsely attributing financial investment platforms to Cristiano Ronaldo and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to encourage participation in the schemes.
What happened
Between March and May 2025, AI-generated deepfakes were used in fraudulent campaigns in Portugal targeting Cristiano Ronaldo and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, according to a quarterly report by IBERIFIER, the Iberian Observatory of Digital Media in Portugal and Spain.
The deepfake videos and AI-edited screenshots were designed to appear legitimate and were deployed to encourage investment in fraudulent platforms falsely attributed to the public figures.
Reported impact
The IBERIFIER report concluded that AI-fueled misinformation increased in Portugal during the March to May 2025 period, with these campaigns targeting both national and international figures.
The fraudulent schemes exploiting the images of Ronaldo and Montenegro represented the most prevalent use of deepfakes in this campaign wave, alongside AI manipulation of narratives about large-scale fires.
Index analysis
The report documented deepfake video creation and AI-edited screenshots as technical mechanisms to create false legitimacy for fraudulent financial schemes.
AI technology was also used during the period to manipulate narratives related to large-scale fires affecting Portugal and Spain.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.