Chennai: The Criminal Investigation Branch (CB-CID) of Tamil Nadu has apprehended a suspected scammer from Rajasthan who was behind a financial fraud ring that relied on AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating popular Tamil actor Vijay. The arrest underscores a growing trend of criminals leveraging generative artificial intelligence to target gullible citizens seeking financial assistance.
According to police sources, the accused, identified as hailing from Rajasthan, along with his associates, produced and circulated hyper-realistic video clips of the star — who is also the founder of the political party TVK — asking the general public to reach out via a specific WhatsApp number for financial help. The videos were designed to appear authentic enough to trick people into believing the celebrity himself had initiated the scheme, prompting many to transfer money under the false impression that they were responding to an official appeal from Vijay.
The CB-CID, which received complaints from aggrieved individuals after several victims reportedly lost money, launched an investigation into the matter. Through forensic analysis of the WhatsApp messages, intercepted communications, and digital trail of financial transactions, the force traced the origin of the scam back to Rajasthan. The accused was subsequently picked up during a coordinated operation, and several electronic devices were recovered from his possession.
Police confirmed that the deepfake videos were created using cutting-edge AI tools capable of generating realistic audio and visual replicas of public figures. The footage was then distributed across multiple social media platforms and WhatsApp groups, amplifying its reach across several states. While the exact number of victims remains under verification, authorities stated that the total financial loss incurred by complainants runs into several lakhs of rupees.
The case has reignited concerns among law enforcement agencies about the ease with which generative AI can be weaponized for large-scale financial fraud. CB-CID officials noted that the suspects employed encrypted messaging apps and virtual numbers to mask their identities, making detection and prosecution more challenging. Legal experts pointed out that the offence potentially attracts provisions under Sections 66C (identity theft), 66D (cheating by personation), and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, alongside relevant clauses of the Information Technology Act.
The arrest has been welcomed by civil society groups that had previously warned about the rise in AI-driven scams. Authorities have urged the public to remain sceptical of unsolicited WhatsApp messages featuring celebrities or politicians requesting monetary transfers, and to verify such claims through official channels before acting on them.
