Israelis Accused of $129 Million US Fraud Using AI Voice Impersonation
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
Two Israelis and a Spanish citizen are charged with defrauding U.S. companies of $129 million using AI to impersonate executives and lawyers. The scheme, which ran from July 2024 to February 2026, involved tricking employees into transferring funds to global bank accounts. The accused face up to 20 years in prison.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two Israelis and a Spanish citizen are accused of a $129 million fraud in the U.S.
- The defendants allegedly used AI to impersonate company executives and lawyers.
- The scheme aimed to trick employees into transferring large sums of money.
- The fraud reportedly occurred between July 2024 and February 2026.
- The accused face a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted.
Two Israelis and a Spanish citizen are accused of fraud, impersonation, and money laundering in a scheme to defraud U.S. companies of $129 million, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office announced Friday. An FBI investigation revealed that between July 2024 and February 2026, the trio allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to mimic the voices of company executives and prominent law firm partners. Their goal was to trick employees into transferring large sums of money to bank accounts worldwide. The defendants have been identified as Jacob Sewall, 41, a Spanish citizen who used the alias "Rocky Balboa"; Sharon Hazan, 54, a dual British and Israeli citizen with a prior conviction for money laundering in Manhattan; and Guy Shitrit, 42, a dual Emirati and Israeli citizen. If convicted, the individuals face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Left 1Centre 6Haredi 2Arab 1Other 7
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
