AI-powered deepfake image manipulation used for extortion in Vietnam
Vietnamese authorities reported a scheme in which perpetrators use AI to manipulate images of victims' faces into explicit videos and images, then use these deepfakes to extort money from targeted officials and business leaders. The attacks have reportedly increased in frequency and target prominent men with social standing, particularly government officials and business executives.
What happened
On 6 December 2024, the Network Security and Prevention Department of Lâm Đồng Police reported discovering a new extortion scheme using AI technology. Perpetrators use AI software to cut faces of victims from personal images and splice them into sensitive images, video clips, or pornographic content.
Perpetrators identify targets—typically men with social status, including government officials, business leaders, and party members—by gathering phone numbers, images, and relationship information from social media, public websites, and workplace sources. After obtaining contact information and creating the manipulated content, perpetrators send the images to victims with claims of infidelity and demands for payment, threatening to distribute the content on social media and to the victim's family and workplace if money is not paid.
Reported impact
Victims are threatened with public distribution of the manipulated content to their social media followers, family members, and workplaces. The number of reported cases has been increasing.
Governance controls
Authorities have called for party committees, government agencies, and local administrations to strengthen leadership, management, inspection, and oversight of officials and party members to proactively detect and counter the criminal activity.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.