The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch is investigating an AI-generated deepfake video impersonating Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay that falsely promises financial aid. The fraudulent campaign, which directs users to WhatsApp groups, has been traced to social media accounts linked to overseas sources. Authorities have issued a public warning and requested data from Meta to identify those behind the scheme.
The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-CID has launched an investigation into a sophisticated cyber fraud case involving AI-generated deepfake videos. The content, which impersonates Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, uses synthetic Hindi audio to create the illusion of an official government announcement. In the video, the AI-generated figure promises financial assistance to the public and instructs viewers to contact specific WhatsApp numbers to receive the funds. This is a coordinated effort to deceive citizens by exploiting the digital identity of a high-profile public figure.
Preliminary investigations by the state cyber crime unit have uncovered a significant trail of digital evidence pointing toward an international network. Several social media accounts used to circulate these deepfake clips have been traced to locations in Pakistan. The involvement of overseas entities has added a layer of complexity to the enforcement efforts, as investigators must now coordinate across borders to dismantle the network.
Authorities have formally approached Meta, the parent company of the platforms where these videos are being shared, to secure data logs and account details. The goal is to track the origin of these uploads and prevent further proliferation of the scam. The state police have requested the removal of all content related to this fraudulent campaign to safeguard the public.
This incident highlights the rising challenge of deepfake technology in the digital landscape. For the public and institutions, this event serves as a reminder of the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. As AI tools become more accessible, the ability to replicate voices and likenesses is being weaponized to erode public trust and conduct financial fraud. While this specific event does not directly impact the stock market, it underscores the growing need for robust cybersecurity measures and digital literacy as synthetic media becomes a common tool for criminal activity.
The Tamil Nadu Police have issued a strong advisory urging residents to exercise caution. Officials have confirmed that the government does not use such social media videos to distribute aid or welfare benefits. Citizens are advised to avoid calling the numbers featured in these videos or joining any associated WhatsApp groups to protect their personal and financial information. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to monitor digital platforms for new variations of this scam.