Malaysian police detect five deepfake videos in investment scam
Malaysian police detected five deepfake videos created by the same syndicate and used to promote fraudulent investment schemes claiming government endorsement. The videos featured Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, PETRONAS executives, and MP Teresa Kok, and promised returns of up to 100 times.
What happened
Police detected five deepfake videos created using artificial intelligence technology and widely shared on social media since last year. The videos depicted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, US President Donald Trump, members of PETRONAS senior management, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
The videos showed these figures "inviting" the public to join investment schemes allegedly endorsed by the Malaysian government, promising returns of up to 100 times. The Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department said it is believed the same syndicate produced them to mislead victims.
Reported impact
Deepfake videos promoted on various platforms directed unsuspecting individuals to registration pages to fill in their personal information. Those who accessed the links were also asked to download an application, which could expose them to cybercrime risks.
Index analysis
The deepfake videos misused the likenesses of public figures and companies to lend credibility to fraudulent investment claims.
Governance controls
The Securities Commission Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, said it would take appropriate action against deepfake videos promoting fraudulent investments, including removing them from the internet to prevent public access.
The Securities Commission advised that public awareness of the dangers of deepfake videos is crucial, and users are advised to verify sources before believing such content.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.