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AI Scammer Tool Makes Millions Illegally
18 Dec
Summary
- Chinese AI app Haotian earned over $3.9 million through face-swapping tech.
- The app markets to scammers for 'pig butchering' and online fraud.
- Haotian's tool is nearly perfect, constantly improving its deepfake capabilities.
An advanced Chinese AI application named Haotian has amassed over $3.9 million by selling sophisticated face-swapping technology, primarily through the Telegram platform. Researchers have identified that the app's primary customer base consists of individuals involved in "pig butchering" scams and other online fraud schemes, particularly in Southeast Asia.
Haotian's technology allows for extensive facial manipulation, with up to 50 adjustable settings, creating nearly perfect deepfakes. Since its emergence around 2021, the app has become increasingly popular among cybercriminals. Cryptocurrency tracing revealed that a significant portion of Haotian's revenue originated from wallets linked to illicit activities and sanctioned scam marketplaces.
This technology is part of a broader trend where deepfake tools are integrated into cybercrime. Officials have identified over ten similar face-swapping tools potentially used in Southeast Asia for cryptocurrency scams and impersonation. Following inquiries, Haotian's main public Telegram channel and associated accounts were made inaccessible.
