Israelis Charged in US Over $129 Million AI-Powered Global Fraud Scheme
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Two Israelis, Sharon Hazan and Guy Shitrit, along with Jacob Soll, are accused in the U.S. of running a global fraud scheme using AI that allegedly stole $129 million. The defendants impersonated executives and lawyers to defraud thousands of companies worldwide. They face charges including wire fraud and money laundering, with arrests made between June and September.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Two Israelis, Sharon Hazan and Guy Shitrit, are charged in the U.S. for a $129 million AI fraud scheme.
- The defendants allegedly impersonated executives and lawyers to defraud thousands of businesses globally.
- Victims included U.S. hospitals, a UK fintech firm, and a Massachusetts mutual fund company.
- The scheme involved AI-generated voice and video impersonations of company leaders.
- Sharon Hazan was previously convicted in 2008 for bank fraud conspiracy.
- Arrests in the case occurred between June and September.
Two Israelis, Sharon Hazan, 54, and Guy Shitrit, 42, along with Jacob Soll, 41, are facing charges in the United States for orchestrating an international fraud scheme that allegedly stole approximately $129 million using artificial intelligence. Prosecutors in New York claim the trio impersonated company executives and lawyers for over 18 months, defrauding thousands of businesses worldwide. Victims reportedly include hospital systems in Missouri and California, a Rhode Island bank, a UK fintech company, a Massachusetts mutual fund firm, and a Florida pet food manufacturer.
The defendants are accused of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, with arrests occurring between June and September. The indictment also charges them with money laundering. The group, which included individuals from Spain, the UK, Israel, and the UAE, used aliases such as "Rocky Balboa," "Superman Cash," and "Fatty."
The scheme typically involved contacting company accounting departments, sending emails purportedly from CEOs requesting assistance with confidential financial transactions. The fraudsters would then initiate phone or video calls, using AI to mimic the voice and sometimes the appearance of the executive. They also posed as lawyers from major firms, directing victims to communicate with these fabricated legal representatives.
Soll's and Shitrit's lawyers did not respond to requests for comment from the Associated Press, and it is unclear if Hazan has legal representation. Hazan has a prior conviction in New York from 2008 for conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
This case highlights a growing trend of AI-enabled fraud, with reports indicating that such scams are capable of stealing billions by creating convincing voice and video deepfakes.
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