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3 charged in AI scheme used to impersonate CEOs, attorneys to steal $129 million
Developed over time first seen 1 day ago
Three people have been indicted in New York, accused of using artificial intelligence to impersonate corporate executives and lawyers in a scheme that prosecutors say stole about $129 million. The case highlights how voice and image imitation can be used to target businesses and manipulate staff into making large payments.
The indictment says Jacob Soall, Sharon Hazan and Guy Sheetrit targeted thousands of companies worldwide over more than 18 months, including hospitals, a bank and a UK fintech company. They allegedly used emails and phone or video calls to pose as executives, then impersonated lawyers who instructed employees to wire money to overseas accounts. Prosecutors say the funds were converted into cryptocurrency and distributed among the defendants and others; the charges include wire fraud, identity theft and money laundering.
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In short
- Three people are accused of stealing about $129 million.
- They allegedly used AI to imitate executives and lawyers.
- Prosecutors say payments were converted into cryptocurrency.
How this story developed
- 18 hours ago The latest account again says the trio face money-laundering charges, with most charges carrying a maximum 20-year sentence if they are convicted.
- 1 day ago Prosecutors added that the alleged scheme targeted thousands of companies worldwide and that the defendants distributed cryptocurrency proceeds among themselves and others.
- 1 day ago US prosecutors indicted Jacob Soall, Sharon Hazan and Guy Sheetrit over an alleged AI-assisted fraud scheme that stole about $129 million from businesses, including companies in the UK and US.
Where outlets differ
Centre outlets 1
Only here: targeting, thousands, companies
Right-leaning outlets 1
Only here: used, impersonate, ceos, attorneys, steal
Every side used: charged, million, scheme
Headline columns compared word for word; nothing in them is AI-written.
Explained simply
Businesses often rely on accounting staff to act on payment requests that appear to come from senior executives or lawyers. Criminals can use convincing emails, copied voices or fabricated video to make those requests seem genuine, including when the people involved are in different countries.
Artificial intelligence can make it easier to create realistic imitations, but the deception also depends on persuading employees to send money and on moving funds through accounts or cryptocurrency. Hospitals, banks and other companies may be targets because they handle substantial payments, and cross-border transfers can make tracing money more difficult.
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Originally published by New York Post as “3 charged in AI scheme used to impersonate CEOs, attorneys to steal $129 million”.