A deepfake video using the identity of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Vijay led to an arrest in Rajasthan. The case came to light during routine online monitoring by the Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-CID (CBCID) Cyber Crime Cell. Authorities found AI-generated videos that showed a person resembling Vijay and used a Hindi voice. The videos circulated on Facebook and other social media platforms and allegedly lured the public into a financial fraud trap.
Man arrested in Rajasthan over fake AI videos of Thalapathy Vijay
As reported by Nakkheeran, the key development came after CBCID traced the digital trail linked to the videos and arrested 28-year-old Shayabu Khan from Alwar district in Rajasthan on September 12. According to the police, Khan is the son of Jahoor Khan and is from Poontholi in Lakshmangarh. Two special teams were sent to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as part of the investigation. With assistance from the Rajasthan Police, the suspect was located and taken into custody. Mobile phones, SIM cards and a CPU allegedly used in the crime were also seized. He was later brought to Tamil Nadu through a PT warrant and remanded in judicial custody.
Vijay deepfake videos used WhatsApp number to target victims
According to the CBCID, the AI-generated videos were created to mislead unsuspecting people. The fake clips reportedly asked viewers to contact a WhatsApp number to receive financial assistance. Investigators found that people in Madhya Pradesh and other states had allegedly been targeted using the videos. The Cyber Crime Cell filed a case on September 1 and began tracing the posts. The videos were subsequently removed, while information obtained from service providers helped investigators identify possible suspects across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
CBCID probes larger network behind Vijay deepfake scam
The investigation is not over, as officials are trying to establish whether Shayabu Khan acted alone or was connected to a wider network. CBCID officers also identified a person in Madhya Pradesh who was allegedly affected by the fraud. His statement and the evidence he provided have strengthened the case against the arrested suspect. Police further found that several similar videos were being shared through Facebook accounts believed to be linked to another country. Despite the challenges involved in tracing activity across borders, investigators are continuing their digital probe to identify other people involved and those who may have provided local support.
