Tamil Nadu’s Crime Branch-CID has made a significant arrest, nabbing a scammer from Rajasthan who used artificial intelligence to create a deceptive deepfake video of Chief Minister Vijay. The video, which circulated widely, falsely portrayed the CM urging the public to contact a specific WhatsApp number for financial assistance—a clear attempt to defraud unsuspecting citizens.

Key facts

  • The accused and associates used AI to generate a deepfake video of CM Vijay
  • The video asked viewers to message a WhatsApp number for financial help
  • The CB-CID tracked and arrested the suspect from Rajasthan

How the scam unfolded

Using widely accessible AI tools, the fraudster created a convincing—yet entirely fabricated—video of the Chief Minister. In it, the impersonated leader directed people to reach out to a provided WhatsApp number, ostensibly for monetary support. The video spread quickly, preying on the trust and vulnerability of those seeking aid.

Police response and public warning

Authorities moved swiftly, tracing the digital footprint back to Rajasthan. The arrest highlights growing concerns over the misuse of AI technology in committing fraud. Police have reiterated the importance of verifying information through official channels and remaining cautious of unsolicited financial offers—especially those involving high-profile figures.

A new frontier in digital crime

This case underscores an alarming trend: deepfake technology is no longer confined to entertainment or political disinformation—it’s being weaponized for financial scams. Law enforcement agencies across India are ramping up efforts to combat such digitally-enabled crimes, but public vigilance remains the first line of defense.