In a shocking incident of deepfake misuse, a retired IPS officer’s deepfake video has emerged in Ghaziabad. The video was crafted to blackmail a senior citizen, marking the first case of deepfake-related extortion in the country. The perpetrators, using explicit content, coerced the elderly victim into paying a sum of 74,000 rupees. This case sheds light on the growing threat of deepfake technology and its potential for cyber fraud.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the victim, a 76-year-old senior citizen, found himself entangled in a web of threats and blackmail orchestrated by criminals who had created a deepfake video using the face and voice of a retired IPS officer. The video portrayed the senior citizen engaging in inappropriate activities, leading to emotional distress and fear of damage to his reputation.
Fearing the repercussions of the video’s potential release on social media, the victim succumbed to the blackmailers’ demands and paid the extortion money. This alarming incident has prompted law enforcement to take swift action, with the Ghaziabad police filing an FIR and initiating a forensic examination of the video.
This case underscores the need for heightened awareness and stringent measures against the malicious use of artificial intelligence, as deepfake technology continues to pose new threats and challenges. As authorities delve into the investigation, it serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of technology and the imperative to protect individuals from cybercrimes fueled by deepfake advancements.
