$129 million stolen via AI-voiced fake executives, prosecutors say
Federal agents charged three suspects with using synthetic media to impersonate corporate leaders and wire transfer funds to controlled accounts.
By Jack Weber ·
More than $129 million vanished from hospital systems and financial firms worldwide between 2024 and 2026, according to federal prosecutors.
On November 5, authorities in New York unsealed an indictment against Jacob Soall, 41, Sharon Hazan, 54, and Guy Sheetrit, 42. The Justice Department alleges the trio used artificial intelligence to mimic the voices and appearances of corporate executives and attorneys.
Prosecutors describe a pattern where conspirators posed as chief executives to initiate confidential business deals. They used synthetic audio or video during phone calls to convince employees to send money. Victims then contacted supposed legal counsel who directed wire transfers into accounts controlled by the defendants.
Law enforcement arrested the three suspects in Spain and the United Kingdom between June and September. Extradition requests were still pending when the charges became public. The defendants remain in the pre-conviction phase and retain the presumption of innocence.
The federal government has expanded its response to digital fraud beyond this specific case. President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14390 on March 6, directing agencies to coordinate efforts against international scam centers. The order prioritizes prosecution and recommends returning recovered proceeds to victims.
The Justice Department also launched a Super Intelligence Task Force on November 5. This unit targets malicious uses of emerging technology by foreign actors and transnational criminal groups. In July, the FBI warned that criminals were using AI-generated videos of law enforcement officers to trick victims into visiting fake complaint websites and releasing more personal data.
Texas state law now addresses these tactics. Senate Bill 2373, effective September 1, 2025, criminalizes financial abuse using artificially generated media. It also allows victims to seek civil damages. House Bill 149, the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, took effect on January 1, 2026. This law gives the attorney general enforcement authority over specific AI uses in government and health care, though it does not ban all synthetic media.
Local officials are educating the public on detection methods. Garland police held a presentation on deceptive calls and voice cloning at West Garland Library on November 5. The FBI advises residents to verify unexpected money requests using known contact channels. It recommends multi-factor authentication and requires employers to confirm payment instructions through a separate method before releasing funds.
