AI-generated deepfake videos of Bulgarian celebrities including actor Mihail Bilalov were created and used in sponsored Facebook advertisements to fraudulently promote joint pain products, with the fabricated content detected through analysis showing 98% probability of AI generation.
Starting in April 2024, anonymous Facebook pages began sponsoring AI-generated advertisements for joint pain products using deepfake technology. The advertisements featured manipulated clips of well-known Bulgarian personalities including actor and TV host Mihail Bilalov, actors Kamen Donev and Hristo Shopov, TV host Neli Hadjiyska, investigative journalist Hristo Grozev, and director Magardich Halvadzhiyan. The deepfake video of Bilalov used original footage from his appearance on the TV show '120 minutes' but overlaid fabricated audio that mimicked his voice and altered the image so lip movements would match the fake message. Analysis revealed inconsistencies where lip movements did not match the audio, some words were pronounced in feminine form with incorrect stress or inappropriate intonation. Factcheck.bg verification using the ElevenLabs online audio authenticity tool confirmed the audio file was manipulated with 98% probability of being AI-generated. The sponsored ads directed users to a fake website mimicking the Bulgarian online media 'Fakti.bg' containing completely fabricated information that served as a sales platform for joint pain products not available in pharmacy networks. The fraudulent products could only be ordered through a contact form accessible after clicking the video.
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.
Human
Due to a decision or action made by humans
Intentional
Due to an expected outcome from pursuing a goal
Post-deployment
Occurring after the AI model has been trained and deployed
