Multibillion-Dollar Criminal Organization Exposed: Stealing from US Government and Selling AI Tools to Criminals
A shocking revelation has emerged about a massive criminal organization that has been stealing from the US government since the pandemic began. This transnational group, valued in the billions, has also been selling generative artificial intelligence tools to other criminals, according to an expert in the field.
Recently, a video lasting just 58 seconds surfaced on the dark web, offering a glimpse into the activities of this criminal network. In the video, a person using the alias “Sanchez” is seen dressed in black attire and wearing a black skeleton mask. The individual is heard speaking alongside someone else who appears to be digging a grave in the background.
The masked individual identifies himself as “Sanchez” and admits to selling fake bank accounts, particularly targeting Chase bank accounts. The video gives viewers a look at the operations of this secretive organization, highlighting their growth from a partnership of two people to a team of about 30 individuals working together.
New Criminal Trend: Children’s Private Information Stolen and Shared on Dark Web
The video was uncovered by David Maimon, a criminologist and professor at Georgia State University. He shared the video on LinkedIn, providing context to the disturbing footage. The video was apparently an “update” for concerned customers who hadn’t seen “Sanchez” active on the dark web in a while.
This criminal enterprise is a key player behind pandemic-related fraud that has cost the US billions. Their activities have expanded to include the use of generative AI technology to hide their tracks and further their criminal empire, as explained by Haywood Talcove, CEO of LexisNexis Risk Solutions’ Government Group, in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Typically, we might associate government fraud with individual low-level criminals, but Talcove argues that these fraudsters are just the tip of the iceberg. He likens them to street-level drug dealers who get caught, while there’s a much larger and organized machine backing them, similar to historical criminal organizations.
Dark Web Operations and AI-Powered Crimes
The dark web hosts an industry of fraud-as-a-service operated by international cybercriminal groups from various countries. The video exposes a specific group called Mega Darknet Market, believed to be one of the world’s largest criminal enterprises.
The video showcases how this organization sells “mule accounts,” or bank accounts created using stolen identities. Additionally, they distribute generative AI and “deepfake” tools to other criminals. Talcove emphasizes that this video is concrete evidence of organized institutions supporting low-level fraudsters across the globe.
Criminal Enterprises on the Rise
Talcove asserts that these international criminal networks gained prominence during the pandemic, accumulating hundreds of millions through fraud. However, their potential for stealing from the US government using artificial intelligence is estimated to be over $1 trillion in the coming year.
But it doesn’t stop at financial fraud. These organizations are equipping criminals worldwide with AI technology to carry out “sextortion” scams, targeting vulnerable individuals and leading to tragic consequences.
The Changing Landscape of Crime
Talcove highlights a shift in criminal behavior. Previously, criminals avoided government attention, but now, with the power of AI, they’re boldly targeting government agencies and disappearing into the digital realm. He emphasizes that catching these sophisticated criminals requires a united effort from various law enforcement agencies.
Sextortion: A Disturbing Trend
The FBI describes “sextortion” as a crime involving the coercion of victims into sharing explicit photos or videos of themselves. Malicious actors manipulate and circulate these images, leading to significant emotional distress for the victims. Tragically, this trend has resulted in numerous suicides, with many victims being underage.
In Conclusion, the criminal landscape has evolved dramatically, with organized groups harnessing AI to carry out fraud and other malicious activities. The uncovering of this video sheds light on the hidden operations of a massive criminal organization, prompting the need for coordinated law enforcement efforts to combat these emerging threats.