Three Men Used AI to Fake Bosses and Lawyers, Scamming Over $129 Million

The US Department of Justice has charged three men for using AI to fake the voices and faces of company executives and lawyers. They tricked employees around the world into sending money, stealing more than $129 million. Two were arrested in Spain and one in the UK.

The scammers first pretended to be company bosses, asking staff to help with a "sensitive financial deal." Then they posed as lawyers from a big international law firm and told employees to wire the money. Victims included a hospital group in Missouri, a fund company in Massachusetts, and a tech company in the UK.

The men converted the stolen money into cryptocurrency to hide where it came from, then split it with others. They are charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. The FBI said it will keep improving its ability to fight crimes that use new technology.