AI deepfake videos used to extort ₹97 lakh from Patna hotel owner; 3 Booked

A hotel owner from Patna was allegedly blackmailed using AI-generated deepfake obscene videos and forced to pay ₹97 lakh to the accused. Police have registered an FIR against three people, including a woman, in connection with the case.

According to police, the victim was threatened with the circulation of the fabricated videos and false criminal cases unless he paid ₹1 crore. The hotel owner allegedly paid ₹97 lakh in four instalments at different locations in Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi and Patna.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer Vinita Sinha said the FIR was lodged on Saturday based on the victim's complaint and that investigations are underway.

Police identified Muzaffarpur resident Abhishek Kumar as the alleged mastermind. He is accused of conspiring with a woman and others to create AI-generated deepfake videos of the hotelier and using them to extort money.

To help police track the suspects, the victim reportedly placed an electronic tracking device inside a bundle of currency notes before handing over the final instalment of ₹20 lakh on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.

Using the tracking device, police traced the location to the alleged mastermind's residence in Muzaffarpur and recovered the ₹20 lakh during a raid. However, the accused managed to escape before the police reached the spot.

Police said efforts are underway to arrest the absconding accused and identify other persons involved in the extortion racket. Further investigation into the case is in progress.