AI-generated deepfakes used to defraud 33 people of ~15 million lira in Turkey
Nine suspects in Turkey were arrested for using AI-generated deepfake videos to defraud approximately 33 people of around 15 million lira. The videos allegedly impersonated financial experts and public figures to promote fraudulent investment schemes and romance scams.
What happened
Nine suspects based in Yozgat were arrested in simultaneous operations in Antalya, Hatay and Ankara for producing AI-generated videos to defraud approximately 33 people of around 15 million lira.
Six of the suspects were remanded in custody by courts and sent to prison, while three were released under judicial supervision.
Reported impact
Approximately 33 people were defrauded of around 15 million lira through videos produced using AI technology.
Index analysis
The case reflects broader trends in AI-enabled fraud, with the UK Finance banking association reporting a significant increase in 2025 in investment fraud using deepfakes and romance scams.
Fraudsters used AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating known financial experts or public figures to offer fake cryptocurrency or stock market advice, and also employed such videos in romance-themed fraud schemes.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.