US charges three in $129M scheme using AI to impersonate executives
Prosecutors say Jacob Soall, Sharon Hazan and Guy Sheetrit used AI voice and face tools from July 2024 to February 2026 to trick staff into wiring funds; the three were arrested in Europe and await extradition, CBS and ABC News report.
Why it matters
Voice-clone BEC-style fraud is moving from anecdotes into named federal indictments with nine-figure totals. The complaint describes AI impersonation of executives and lawyers aimed at accounting staff across many companies. Defenders should treat unexpected wire instructions—even from “familiar” voices—as high-risk until out-of-band verified. Watch extradition progress and any named victim companies in later filings.
Key facts
- Alleged loss more than $129 million
- Defendants: Jacob Soall, Sharon Hazan, Guy Sheetrit
- Period cited: July 2024–February 2026
- Arrested in Europe; extradition to the US pending
- Covered by CBS News (11:22 UTC 6 Nov) and ABC News