Tamil Nadu CB-CID Launches Probe Into AI Deepfake Scam Targeting Chief Minister
CHENNAI – The Cyber Crime Division of the Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-CID (CB-CID) has officially launched a formal investigation into the circulation of a sophisticated AI-generated deepfake video that impersonates Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay.
The illicit campaign, which primarily targeted social media platforms, featured a manipulated video of the Chief Minister with dubbed Hindi audio. The scam content encouraged vulnerable individuals seeking financial assistance to contact a specific WhatsApp number, a classic hallmark of a phishing and extortion scheme.
Discovery and Immediate Action
The fraudulent activity was uncovered during routine cyber patrolling conducted by the CB-CID. Upon identifying the malicious content, the team compiled a comprehensive report on September 1, 2026, which triggered immediate legal action.
“The video was meticulously crafted and disseminated across Facebook and other platforms with the explicit intent to deceive the public,” a spokesperson for the CB-CID stated. Following the registration of the case on September 1, authorities acted swiftly to contact Meta, the parent company of Facebook. The police have requested the immediate removal of the video and are currently awaiting access to critical digital logs associated with the fake profile.
International Connections
Preliminary findings by investigators suggest the operation is part of a broader, coordinated campaign. Beyond the initial video identified, authorities have uncovered multiple variations of the scam—all utilizing AI-powered deepfake technology to mimic the Chief Minister.
Notably, digital forensics indicate that a significant number of the Facebook accounts used to broadcast these videos are allegedly linked to operators based in Pakistan. This cross-border dimension has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, as officials work to trace the origins of the digital fabrication and identify the perpetrators behind the scheme.
Public Advisory
In light of the incident, the Tamil Nadu Police has issued a stern warning to the public. Officials have cautioned citizens against engaging with any phone numbers, joining WhatsApp groups, or clicking on links disseminated through such videos.
“These videos are entirely fraudulent and constitute a dangerous form of digital deception. We urge citizens to exercise extreme vigilance and to educate their friends and family members about the prevalence of these AI-driven scams,” the police statement read.
As the AI deepfake investigation continues, the CB-CID is working closely with social media intermediaries to ensure the total removal of all related content to prevent further financial victimization of the public.
Published By: Akshat Trivedi
Published On: Sep 3, 2026 01:58 IST
