THAILAND (TR) – Local authorities are investigating a transnational fraud ring that allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to alter their faces during video calls to scam victims in Japan, reports NHK (Sep. 24).
On September 16, police raided a luxury residence in the Thai capital believed to be the syndicate’s base of operations. Police took 14 people into custody, including four Japanese nationals.
Subsequent investigations into the raid revealed a highly sophisticated operation. Computers confiscated at the scene were equipped with AI software capable of manipulating a user’s facial features to look like someone else.
Investigators also seized fake Japanese police uniforms, counterfeit credentials, and scam manuals written in Japanese.
Thai police suspect the fraudsters donned the uniforms and used the AI software to masquerade as Japanese police officers during video calls, effectively duping their targets back in Japan into handing over money.
“By using AI, they are able to gain a higher level of trust from the victims,” a Thai investigator handling the case told NHK. “Moving forward, these tactics will only become more sophisticated.”
Thai authorities believe the suspects are part of a larger network and are currently coordinating with Japanese police to track down further accomplices.
