Three charged over alleged AI impersonation scheme targeting companies for $129 million
Summary
Prosecutors say three people were indicted for allegedly using AI-generated CEO and attorney impersonations to defraud companies of about $129 million through fraudulent wire transfers.
Key points
- The indictment alleges the defendants targeted thousands of companies worldwide over more than 18 months.
- They allegedly emailed accounting departments posing as CEOs, then used AI to mimic executives’ voices and sometimes images during calls.
- The scheme allegedly directed employees to contact impersonated attorneys, who instructed them to wire large payments to accounts around the world.
- Prosecutors say the funds were converted to cryptocurrency and distributed among the defendants and others.
- The named defendants face wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money-laundering charges; the allegations have not been established at trial.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Indictment of three people accused of using AI-generated voice and image impersonation in a corporate payment fraud scheme; the charges include wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.
- Impact
- Prosecutors allege the scheme sought to steal about $129 million and targeted thousands of companies worldwide. Reported victims included hospital systems, a bank, a financial technology company, a mutual fund company, and a pet food company. The alleged proceeds were converted to cryptocurrency and distributed among the defendants and others.
People
Threat Actors
Guy SheetritAccused and indicted in connection with the alleged AI-enabled impersonation and fraud scheme.Jacob SoallAccused and indicted in connection with the alleged AI-enabled impersonation and fraud scheme; prosecutors allege he mainly impersonated attorneys from the UK.Sharon HazanAccused and indicted in connection with the alleged AI-enabled impersonation and fraud scheme.
Countries
IsraelThe defendants, from Spain, the UK, Israel and United Arab Emirates, were also charged with money laundering, according to the indictment.SpainThe defendants, from Spain, the UK, Israel and United Arab Emirates, were also charged with money laundering, according to the indictment.United Arab EmiratesThe defendants, from Spain, the UK, Israel and United Arab Emirates, were also charged with money laundering, according to the indictment.United Kingdomsystems in Missouri and California, a bank in Rhode Island, a financial technology company in the United Kingdom, a mutual fund company in Massachusetts and a pet food company in Florida, according to court
Industries
Financial TechnologyTheir victims included hospital systems in Missouri and California, a bank in Rhode Island, a financial technology company in the United Kingdom, a mutual fund company in Massachusetts and a pet food company in Florida,Pet fooda financial technology company in the United Kingdom, a mutual fund company in Massachusetts and a pet food company in Florida, according to court documents.