Deepfake video falsely links ex-Malaysian police chief to financial scam

What happened

A video showing an individual resembling former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah began circulating on TikTok on June 20, 2025. The video allegedly linked him to receiving financial assistance from a person with the title 'Datuk Abdul Ghani', with claims the money had been deposited into a bank account.

Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated the video was fake and created using artificial intelligence technology. The Selangor police emphasized that Acryl Sani never issued any statement as depicted in the video, and that the claims were completely untrue and baseless.

Reported impact

The video had potential to damage the reputation of the former police chief through false association with financial misconduct. Tan Sri Acryl Sani lodged a police report denying the video contained any official statement from him.

Index analysis

Selangor police identified the misuse of AI technology for purposes of fraud and slander. The investigation proceeded under Section 419 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Governance controls

Selangor police advised the public not to share the video and urged verification of content authenticity before dissemination on social media. Police stated they would take firm action against those involved in spreading the fake content.

Classification

Organizations

Selangor Police (regulator), Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah (victim)

Category

Misinformation and synthetic media

Industry

Media, social platforms and marketing

Country

Malaysia

Harm status

Potential harm

Intent

Unknown

Timing

Unknown

Harm types

Reputational

Harmed

Other

Failure modes

Deepfake video, Manipulation or dark pattern

Consequences

Police investigation

AI systems

AI deepfake technology

Sources and evidence