Media reports and investigative journalism

Hong Kong Police Arrest 27 in $46M 'Secret Word' Deepfake Crypto Romance Scam

Oct 16, 2024, 09:33 AM

Hong Kong police have arrested 27 individuals involved in a $46 million deepfake crypto romance scam. The operation, dubbed 'Secret Word,' targeted victims across Asia, using AI-generated images and videos to deceive them into investing in fake cryptocurrency platforms. The scam, which raked in HK$360 million, involved creating 'superior women' through deepfake technology to lure love-struck men. Law enforcement agencies in both Delhi and Hong Kong collaborated to crack down on the scam, which was run out of an office in Hong Kong. Over 100 agents participated in the raids, seizing luxury items.