Deepfake video of Metropolitan Gavriil used in online scam
A deepfake video circulated on Facebook using artificially synthesized audio and video of Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovech to promote fraudulent medication advertising. The Diocese denied the Metropolitan's involvement and requested removal of the content from authorities.
What happened
A deepfake video was distributed on Facebook in which the image and voice of Metropolitan Gavriil of Lovech were artificially synthesized and manipulated to create fraudulent advertising.
The Lovech Metropolitan Diocese stated that Metropolitan Gavriil never participated in creating the video and that the message contained in it was entirely falsified and unrelated to Orthodox spirituality and Church teaching.
Reported impact
The Lovech Metropolitan Diocese denies that it ever advertised medicines, medical products or any other goods or services on media or social networks through the Metropolitan.
The Diocese called on the public not to fall for such malicious manipulations.
Index analysis
The Diocese reported that two years prior, similar posts with AI-generated fraudulent advertising featuring the image of Metropolitan Gavriil had also circulated in online spaces.
Governance controls
The Diocese stated that competent authorities had been notified with a request to remove the video.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.