AI-generated deepfake videos were used to falsely endorse medical products and fraudulent investment schemes, targeting public figures in Montenegro and the Balkans to deceive consumers into purchasing unverified remedies and making fraudulent investments.
Malicious actors used AI deepfake technology to create fraudulent videos of prominent public figures, including surgeon and MP Vladimir Dobricanin, falsely endorsing medical products and investment schemes. The deepfake videos were distributed through fake Facebook and Instagram profiles with sponsored ads promoting eyedrops, remedies for various ailments, and cryptocurrency trading platforms. These ads linked to websites operated by companies like Limited Charm (registered as Digital Edge in Montenegro) and Nearest Edge, which had revenues of over 1.6 million euros in the previous year. The incidents have increased significantly since 2022 when AI tools became widely available. Montenegro's Computer Incident Response Team reported that 42 people were victims of online scams in 2025, with financial losses of around 300,000 euros. The deepfake incidents exceeded in the first three months of the year the total number recorded for all of 2024, with public figures targeted in over 55% of cases. Globally, deepfake fraud has increased by over 2,000% since 2022, while 60% of organizations lack adequate detection mechanisms.
Domain classification, causal taxonomy, severity scores, and national security assessments were LLM-classified and may contain errors.
Using AI systems to gain a personal advantage over others such as through cheating, fraud, scams, blackmail or targeted manipulation of beliefs or behavior. Examples include AI-facilitated plagiarism for research or education, impersonating a trusted or fake individual for illegitimate financial benefit, or creating humiliating or sexual imagery.
AI system
Due to a decision or action made by an AI system
Intentional
Due to an expected outcome from pursuing a goal
Post-deployment
Occurring after the AI model has been trained and deployed