KUALA LUMPUR: The threatening emails containing screenshots of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated fake videos sent to several lawmakers likely originated from a single email address, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said initial checks revealed that the emails were written with almost identical wording and contained the same screenshots.
The emails warned that the fabricated videos would be circulated unless recipients paid US$100,000 (RM420,500).
“The checks found that the emails used almost identical wording, included similar screenshots and were believed to have been sent from the same email address," Fahmi said in a Facebook post on Sunday (Sept 14).
Among those targeted were Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Subang MP Wong Chen, Sungai Petani MP Dr Taufiq Johari, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli, Selangor exco member Najwan Halimi, Senator Manolan Mohamad, Kulim assemblyman Wong Chia Zen and Selangor exco member Dr Fahmi Ngah.
"I also received the same email,” Fahmi disclosed.
He stressed that the government viewed the incident seriously and had directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to work closely with the police to trace the criminals behind the extortion emails, which were sent via Google’s Gmail platform.
“The government emphasises that sending offensive communications with the intent to intimidate is an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, punishable with a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both,” he said.
He added that the case could also be investigated under Section 503 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
“The Madani government will not compromise with any party that abuses technology and communication networks to intimidate or deceive the public.
“All efforts will be mobilised to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice in order to safeguard the security of society,” Fahmi said.
