Four Reports Of AI Video Blackmail Attempts Targeting Elected Officials Received - Police

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Four police reports were lodged by several MPs, Dewan Negara members and state assemblymen over blackmail attempts using fake artificial intelligence (AI) generated video.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M Kumar said the first attempt was reported by Subang MP Wong Chen on Sept 12 after he received an anonymous email demanding a payment of 100,000 USDT (Tether stablecoin cryptocurrency).

“If the demand was unmet in three days, a fake lewd video using his face would be spread on social media,” he said in a statement today. 

Dewan Negara member, Senator Datuk Nelson W Angang, Kulim assemblyman Wong Chia Zhen and Sungai Petani MP Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari subsequently lodged reports, all of which indicated they received a similar blackmail demand.

“All reports regarding the blackmail attempts are being investigated under Section 385 of the Penal Code for blackmail, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 on the improper use of network facilities or services,” he added.

Kumar said the police are working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to track down the sender of the emails and other relevant information for further investigation.

“PDRM is warning any party involved in producing, spreading or using such materials that stern legal action will be taken without compromise.

“PDRM will not compromise with any party trying to disrupt the safety, public order and harmony of the country,” he added.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today that the government viewed these incidents seriously and has instructed the MCMC to work closely with the police to track down the criminals responsible for the email threats via the Gmail app.

Fahmi stressed that the MADANI Government would not compromise with any party abusing technology and the communications network to blackmail or deceive the public.

He added that the elected officials who have received the emails so far were Wong Chen; Mohammed Taufiq; Adam Adli (Deputy Youth and Sports Minister); Najwan Halimi (Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman); Senator Manolan Mohamad; Wong Chia Zhen (Kulim assemblyman); and Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah (Islamic Religious Affairs and Cultural Innovation Committee chairman).

-- BERNAMA