A 28-year-old man from Rajasthan has been arrested in connection with an alleged financial fraud operation that used AI-generated deepfake videos resembling Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay to mislead people.
The videos circulated on Facebook and other social media platforms and allegedly directed viewers towards a WhatsApp number with offers of financial assistance.
The case surfaced during routine online monitoring by the Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-CID (CBCID) Cyber Crime Cell. Investigators found videos featuring a person resembling Vijay, accompanied by a Hindi voice, which were allegedly being used to draw unsuspecting people into a financial fraud trap.
Rajasthan Man Arrested After Digital Trail
CBCID traced the digital trail connected to the videos and arrested 28-year-old Shayabu Khan from Alwar district in Rajasthan on September 12. According to police, Khan is the son of Jahoor Khan and is from Poontholi in Lakshmangarh.
Two special teams were sent to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh during the investigation. With assistance from Rajasthan Police, the suspect was located and taken into custody.
Police also seized mobile phones, SIM cards and a CPU allegedly used in the crime. Khan was subsequently brought to Tamil Nadu through a PT warrant and remanded in judicial custody.
Deepfake Videos Directed People to WhatsApp
According to the CBCID, the AI-generated videos were designed to mislead people and reportedly asked viewers to contact a WhatsApp number to receive financial assistance. Investigators found that people in Madhya Pradesh and other states had allegedly been targeted through the videos.
The Cyber Crime Cell registered a case and began tracing the social media posts. The videos were subsequently removed, while information obtained from service providers helped investigators identify possible suspects in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
A person in Madhya Pradesh who was allegedly affected by the fraud was also identified. Investigators said his statement and the evidence provided by him strengthened the case against the arrested suspect.
CBCID Probes Possible Wider Network
The investigation is continuing to determine whether Khan acted alone or was connected to a larger network. Police found that several similar videos were being circulated through Facebook accounts believed to be linked to another country.
Investigators are continuing their digital probe despite the difficulties involved in tracing activity across borders. The inquiry is focused on identifying other people who may have been involved in the alleged operation as well as those who may have provided local support.
The case highlights the alleged use of AI-generated impersonation in financial fraud, with investigators now examining whether the arrested suspect was part of a broader network operating through social media.
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