TIRANA, Albania — A sophisticated scam in Tirana allegedly used artificial intelligence to manipulate the owner of a currency exchange office into believing he was communicating with businessman Bashkim Ulaj, resulting in the handover of €100,000.
According to investigators, Rigels Hyseni went to the exchange office and collected the money after the perpetrators had allegedly contacted the owner through messages and a video call.
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The scammers reportedly used AI technology to manipulate Bashkim Ulaj’s image during the video call, creating the impression that the businessman himself was requesting the money. The owner, believing the communication was genuine, handed over €100,000 after being promised that it would be returned within a few hours.
The money was never returned, exposing the alleged fraud.
Security cameras helped investigators identify Hyseni as the person who collected the cash. A rental vehicle used by him also provided investigators with additional leads in tracing the alleged perpetrators.
Brian Serica and Skerdi Meta have been arrested in connection with the case, while Rigels Hyseni has been declared wanted.
The owner of the exchange office has offered a reward for information leading to Hyseni’s arrest.
The case is notable for the alleged use of AI-generated manipulation to deceive financial businesses, demonstrating how criminals can exploit deepfake technology to make fraudulent requests appear to come directly from a real person.