Purported Widespread Use of AI-Generated Deepfake Videos Impersonate Malaysian Leaders in Investment Scams

Purported AI-generated deepfake videos depicting Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other officials, political leaders, and business leaders have reportedly been used to promote fraudulent investment schemes. A total of 13,956 cases were reported last year, with RM2.11 billion allegedly lost to these scams. Victims were allegedly misled by hyper-realistic fake endorsements circulated via Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Scammers allegedly adapt quickly, generating new deepfakes when content is removed.