AI Deepfake Extortion Scheme Targets Patna Hotel Owner for ₹97 Lakh

A hotel owner in Patna was extorted for ₹97 lakh through AI-generated deepfake videos that depicted him in compromising situations. The accused, including a woman, threatened to release the videos and file false criminal charges if their demands were not met. The victim paid the extortion amount in four installments across Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, and Patna. The police registered an FIR against three individuals, identifying Abhishek Kumar as the mastermind behind the scheme. To assist law enforcement, the victim placed an electronic tracking device in the final payment, leading police to the mastermind's residence, where ₹20 lakh was recovered. However, the suspects managed to escape before police arrived. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and uncover any additional accomplices.

Key Points: • A hotel owner was extorted for ₹97 lakh using AI deepfake videos. • The extortion involved threats of releasing fabricated videos and false criminal charges. • Police recovered ₹20 lakh during a raid but the main suspects escaped.