Hyderabad Deepfake Blackmail: Six Arrested in ₹5 Crore MLC Extortion Case

Narsingi police arrest six in Hyderabad for allegedly blackmailing MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig using deepfake videos and demanding ₹5 crore.

By News National Editorial Team

HYDERABAD: Narsingi police in Cyberabad have arrested six people for allegedly attempting to extort money from Telangana MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig by threatening to circulate morphed photographs and deepfake videos of him on social media.

According to police information reported by multiple news organisations on November 6, the accused allegedly demanded ₹5 crore from Baig, threatening to damage his political and social reputation if he refused to pay.

Investigators said the group had already collected ₹5 lakh through an intermediary and subsequently demanded another ₹5 lakh.

Four lakh rupees collected at Ibrahim Bagh office

The latest alleged collection took place on November 5 at Baig's office in Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad.

According to the investigation details reported by Hyderabad Mail, Fathima Begum, also known as Reema, allegedly visited the office along with other members of the group and received a box containing ₹4 lakh in cash.

Acting on information about the transaction, a special police team reportedly apprehended five people as they attempted to leave the location. Another accused, identified as Mohammad Mohsin Khan, was subsequently arrested.

Police recovered ₹4.70 lakh in cash during the operation.

Six accused identified

The six arrested individuals were identified as:

1. Mohammad Mohsin Khan

2. Fathima Begum alias Reema

3. Mohammad Sameer

4. Mohammad Zameer

5. Mohammad Imran

6. Syed Rehan

Police also seized two auto-rickshaws, six mobile phones and one laptop as part of the investigation.

Investigators are examining the electronic devices and other material to establish how the alleged manipulated photographs and videos were created, shared and used to threaten the MLC.

Alleged deepfake conspiracy

According to the police account reported by local media, the accused allegedly worked with other individuals to create or obtain manipulated photographs and objectionable deepfake videos.

The material was allegedly used as leverage to pressure Baig into paying money. The threats reportedly included warnings that the content would be circulated through social media and damage his reputation.

Police are investigating the alleged roles of different members of the group, including those suspected of arranging the manipulated material and circulating it online.

The authenticity and contents of the alleged videos have not been independently established. They should not be treated as genuine or circulated as fact.

More accused being traced

Reports indicate that the case involves additional suspects beyond the six people arrested. Police are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend those allegedly involved in the wider conspiracy.

The detailed Telugu report by Namasthe Telangana states that investigators are examining the roles of people involved in creating and distributing the manipulated content.

However, the identities and alleged involvement of some political figures mentioned in social-media discussions have not been independently confirmed through the available reporting. Their names should not be presented as established accused without official documentation.

Cyberabad Police warn against deepfake blackmail

The case highlights the growing risk of criminals using artificial intelligence, image manipulation and digitally altered videos to threaten individuals and demand money.

Cyberabad Police have reportedly advised people facing such threats not to make payments and to approach the police immediately with available evidence.

Victims should preserve threatening messages, phone numbers, transaction records, screenshots and relevant digital files. They should avoid forwarding manipulated or objectionable material, which could further harm victims and potentially create legal consequences.

News National Perspective

The case demonstrates how deepfake technology can be misused as a tool for blackmail and financial extortion.

As artificial intelligence makes image and video manipulation increasingly accessible, public awareness and effective cybercrime investigations are essential. Digital evidence must be examined carefully, and allegations must be established through proper investigation.

The six arrests mark an important development in the investigation. However, the alleged roles of other individuals and the origin and circulation of the manipulated material remain matters for the police to establish.

Sources

1. Hyderabad Mail – Six Held in Narsingi for Extorting MLC Using Morphed Photos and Deepfake Videos – Detailed account of the alleged operation, arrests, cash recovery and seized items.

2. Namasthe Telangana – Deepfake Threats to MLC; Gang Demands ₹5 Crore – Additional details about the alleged conspiracy and investigation.

3. Telangana Today – Narsingi Police Arrest Six in Alleged Deepfake Blackmail Case – Confirms the six arrests and reported extortion demand.

4. The Times of India – Six Held for Extorting MLC with Deepfake Video Threats – Independent coverage of the arrests.