AI Voice-Changing Technology Used in Large-Scale Romance Fraud Scheme in Taipei
A Taiwan-based romance fraud ring led by Huang Jian-hao and Xu Xiang-qi used AI voice-changing technology to impersonate women on dating platforms, deceiving victims into purchasing high-value items. Police arrested 21 suspects in May 2026 and 12 more in a second wave in July, with at least 10 victims reported to authorities and hundreds of millions obtained illegally.
What happened
A romance fraud ring led by Huang Jian-hao and his wife Xu Xiang-qi used AI voice-changing technology to impersonate young women on dating platforms. The group used Voicemeeter virtual audio mixing software combined with third-party AI voice-changing tools to make male employees' voices sound like women, then used attractive female photos as avatars to chat with victims.
The gang pressured victims to purchase high-priced items including iPhones, Dyson hair dryers, gold, and beauty courses, claiming family emergencies or work performance requirements. After victims made purchases, the group arranged in-person meetings with female public relations staff and sometimes engaged in sexual relations to maintain the deception.
On May 12, prosecutors directed a search operation across 23 locations and arrested 21 suspects. On July 2, a second wave of arrests brought in 12 more people including 8 public relations staff, 3 business owners, and 1 AI engineer. At least 10 victims reported the scheme to police.
Reported impact
The fraud ring illegally obtained hundreds of millions in proceeds. Victims discovered they had been deceived when they realized interactions ceased without purchases.
Index analysis
The scheme used AI voice-cloning to create convincing impersonations of women on dating platforms. By combining Voicemeeter with third-party AI voice-changing software, the gang routed audio to create natural-sounding female voices that increased the credibility of their fraudulent romance narratives.
Governance controls
Prosecutors secured detention without bail for four key suspects including Huang Jian-hao, Xu Xiang-qi, public relations manager Jiang Jing-wei, and public relations staff member Huang Yu-hui. The remaining 14 suspects were released on bail ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 New Taiwan dollars with restrictions on residence and travel.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.