Suspected AI Identity Fraud Ring Nets Arrest of 20-Year-Old Israeli in Thailand

Niki Sokolov, 20, from Tzur Yitzhak, was arrested by the cyber unit of Lahav 433 on suspicion that he stole more than 60 identities and used them to make hundreds of thousands of shekels, according to a report Thursday morning on Kan News Radio. Police said the case involves bank accounts opened remotely through banking apps, where customers are required to provide identity checks such as video or voice verification, a selfie, or an ID photo.

Investigators suspect Sokolov took ID documents from hacked online databases and built AI agents that impersonated the real people inside the banking apps. The alleged victims reportedly did not know accounts had been opened in their names, while Sokolov is suspected of withdrawing money and obtaining credit cards linked to those accounts.

Police said Sokolov managed to steal more than 60 identities in total and siphoned off large sums. He was first detained in Thailand after an Israeli police representative contacted local authorities. Thai officials then deported him for staying without a visa, and he was arrested again at Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday.