Federal prosecutors charge three foreign nationals in alleged $129 million AI fraud scheme
Federal prosecutors have charged three foreign nationals in an alleged international fraud scheme that used AI to impersonate corporate executives and attorneys, with prosecutors alleging theft of more than $129 million. The scheme ran from July 2024 to February 2026 and involved tricking employees into transferring money, according to a U.S. attorney’s office release cited by NBC News.
More context
Three foreign nationals are accused of using artificial intelligence to impersonate corporate executives and attorneys in an international fraud scheme that prosecutors say netted more than $129 million. A U.S. attorney’s office press release cited by NBC News says the scheme ran from July 2024 to February 2026. The defendants and co-conspirators allegedly mimicked executives’ and attorneys’ voices and images, telling employees—often in accounting departments—that they needed help with confidential transactions, then inducing transfers to accounts controlled by the group. ICLG reported prosecutors alleged losses included $11.6 million from a UK-headquartered financial technology company, $4.8 million from a Missouri hospital system and $2.7 million from a Rhode Island bank. The defendants face charges including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering; NBC said each of the seven charges carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence.
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Reporting
- NBC News — 3 foreign nationals allegedly used AI to mimic CEOs in $129M scheme, DOJ says
- United Press International — 3 charged with using AI to commit $129 million in fraud
- iclg.com — Justice Department cracks AI impersonation fraud scheme | ICLG
Verifier’s note
NBC News and UPI report that three foreign nationals were charged in an alleged AI-enabled fraud scheme involving more than $129 million; ICLG also reports the alleged scheme and its scale. These reports match the proposed event and its timing.