Tbilisi call center allegedly uses AI-driven scripts to defraud over 6,000 victims of $35 million
A Tbilisi-based call center allegedly defrauded over 6,000 people of $35 million using AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities and cloned investment platforms between May 2022 and early 2025. The scammers used ChatGPT to create fake credentials and replicate legitimate company websites, collecting victim funds through fraudulent bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.
What happened
An industrial-scale boiler room fraud operating from three offices in Tbilisi, Georgia allegedly defrauded at least 6,179 people of approximately $35 million between May 2022 and the date of reporting. The group, self-identified as the 'skameri' (Georgian for scammers), employed 85 call handlers and support staff.
The scammers used AI-generated deepfake videos of public figures including broadcaster Ben Fogle to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency and investment platforms such as AdmiralsFX and Golden Currencies. Victims were directed to clone websites and contacted by call handlers posing as investment advisers.
According to Exante, a brokerage firm, scammers created a fake clone of the Exante platform using AI tools to rapidly replicate the company's trading interface and website. The fake platform targeted US clients despite Exante not offering services in the United States. Scammers opened a JPMorgan Chase bank account using a US address and crypto wallets to collect victim funds.
Reported impact
Mark, a franchise manager from East Anglia, initially invested £250 but within one month handed over £27,000 (approximately one year's salary) after being deceived by a deepfake video of Ben Fogle promoting AdmiralsFX. When he discovered his losses, he pleaded with his supposed investment adviser for answers about his money.
The scam reportedly collected $35 million from 6,179 victims across multiple fraudulent investment and cryptocurrency platforms routed through an apparent money-laundering network.
Index analysis
The use of AI tools including ChatGPT's image generation capabilities enabled rapid creation of fake passport images and cloned website interfaces, according to Exante's Head of Compliance. The scammers leveraged deepfake technology to impersonate credible public figures in promotional videos shared on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram.
The Financial Conduct Authority had previously warned that AdmiralsFX and Golden Currencies were fraudulent clones created to scam people, but the warnings apparently did not reach all potential victims.
Governance controls
Exante did not report the incident to JPMorgan Chase as Exante has no presence in the United States and does not bank with JPMorgan. JPMorgan Chase stated it was investigating the fraudulent account.
The call centre allegedly continued operating despite being identified in media reporting as of March 2025, suggesting insufficient law enforcement intervention or regulatory oversight.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.