Deepfake Ads and Tailored Algorithms Powered the Scheme
Spanish police have shut down an advanced cryptocurrency investment scam that used artificial intelligence (AI) to trick over 200 victims out of nearly $20 million. On April 7, 2025, the Policía Nacional confirmed the arrest of six suspects connected to the elaborate scheme.
The fraudsters relied on deepfake videos featuring well-known Spanish figures who appeared to endorse fake crypto investments. These AI-generated ads, which promised guaranteed profits without any risk, were key in convincing victims to trust the fraudulent platforms.
How Victims Were Targeted and Manipulated
The criminals used algorithms to identify and target individuals most likely to fall for the scam. Once potential victims were flagged, they were hit with personalized ads on websites and social media.
Here’s how the scam unfolded:
- Victims were encouraged to invest in fake cryptocurrency products.
- When they tried to withdraw funds, they discovered the platforms were fake.
- Scammers then posed as investment managers claiming the funds were frozen but could be recovered—for a fee.
- After paying this so-called deposit, victims were contacted again by impostors pretending to be Europol agents or British lawyers. They were told they had to pay taxes to reclaim their stolen funds.
Tragically, many victims lost money multiple times, each time hoping to recover their initial investments.
Operation Details and Broader Implications
During the police raid, authorities seized computers, smartphones, hard drives, a replica weapon, and a large volume of documents. Investigators also uncovered several fake companies used to move the stolen money and found that the ringleader operated under more than 50 aliases.
Experts are sounding the alarm on how generative AI is making scams more dangerous. According to Chainalysis’ Crypto Scam Revenue report from February 2024, these tools are helping criminals run more convincing and widespread fraud campaigns.
Officials are urging the public to stay vigilant. Promises of high returns with no risk—especially from random online ads—are often red flags. Always verify investment platforms and consult licensed financial advisors before making any financial commitments.
