Police in Hong Kong have reportedly damaged up a crypto rip-off that used face-swapping know-how to influence lonely males to half with HK$360 million (US$46 million) by way of a pretend funding platform.
In keeping with an announcement issued on Monday, police arrested 21 males and 6 ladies for his or her half within the plot that noticed them swap their faces with these of lovely ladies throughout video calls to influence victims handy over cash.
Victims included males from Taiwan, China, Singapore, and India.
“The syndicate’s operation began with online romance,” stated Senior Superintendent Fang Chi-kin, head of the New Territories South regional crime unit.
“Following initial contact with victims on social media platforms, they first sent artificially generated photos using AI technology to create attractive individuals in terms of appearance, personality, occupation, education, and other aspects,” he added.
“Despite engaging in video calls, the victims continued to believe they were building a romantic relationship with supposedly superior women.”
Fraudsters despatched victims fabricated proof of earnings but it surely grew to become clear that that they had been conned after they had been unable to withdraw any funds.
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In keeping with police, recruits to the Hong Kong crypto rip-off had been absolutely skilled and even obtained a handbook detailing how to method victims and create personas.
“These criminals view innocent citizens as exploitable targets, using every word to gain their trust, ultimately aiming to take their money,” stated Superintendent Iu Wing-kan.
Authorities stated the operation represented the primary time that they had cracked down on a Hong Kong-based fraud syndicate that employed deepfake tech to cheat folks.
On account of the raids on the gang’s 4,000 sq ft warehouse base, police additionally seized computer systems, greater than 100 cellphones, HK$200,000 ($26,000) in suspected proceeds, and various luxurious watches.
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