Mangaluru: In a shocking case of alleged betrayal and cyber blackmail, an employee of a reputed institution in the city has been arrested for attempting to extort Rs 2 crore from his employer using AI-generated and morphed private videos.
The accused has been identified as Abhishek Surendra Poojary, a native of Kapu in Udupi district. He had been working at a well-known training institution in Mangaluru and was reportedly entrusted with key responsibilities by the management.
Dubai trip allegedly used as trap
According to the complaint, the incident dates back nearly two years. Abhishek allegedly persuaded the institution’s owner to travel to Dubai, claiming there was significant demand in the Gulf country for the institution’s training services. Trusting his employee’s representation, the owner accompanied him on the trip.
However, it was later discovered that there was no confirmed demand or formal arrangements for such services in Dubai. Investigators suspect that the trip may have been premeditated with ulterior motives.
Police sources indicate that after returning to India, the accused allegedly created AI-generated and digitally morphed videos to use as leverage to threaten and intimidate his employer.
Rs 2 crore extortion demand
After returning to Mangaluru, Abhishek allegedly began blackmailing the institution owner, claiming that he possessed AI-generated and morphed private videos. He reportedly demanded Rs 2 crore in exchange for deleting the content and refraining from circulating it.
Investigators said the accused allegedly instructed that the money be transferred to the bank account of his wife, Srinidhi Patil. Police are now probing whether she had any knowledge of or involvement in the alleged extortion attempt.
When the employer refused to meet the demand, Abhishek allegedly escalated the matter by editing and circulating the AI-generated and morphed clips via WhatsApp to principals of reputed colleges in Mangaluru and Udupi district, allegedly with the intention of defaming the institution and exerting further pressure.
Complaint filed at Urwa Police Station
Unable to bear the alleged blackmail and reputational damage, the employer approached the Urwa Police Station and lodged a formal complaint.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation. Officials stated that digital evidence, including mobile phones and electronic devices, is being examined as part of the probe. Following initial inquiries, Abhishek was arrested.
Police sources said he has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to extortion, criminal intimidation and defamation, along with provisions of the Information Technology Act concerning electronic transmission of morphed or manipulated content.
Further investigation under way
Authorities are now investigating the financial trail, including the bank account details mentioned in the complaint. The role of Srinidhi Patil is also being examined to determine whether she was aware of the alleged plan or if her account was used without her knowledge.
Cybercrime experts note that cases involving AI-generated and morphed videos and digital blackmail have been on the rise, with perpetrators exploiting advanced technology to manipulate images and videos to threaten victims. Police have urged citizens to exercise caution and to report any form of cyber extortion immediately.
Officials reiterated that circulating AI-generated, morphed or manipulated private content without consent is a serious criminal offence and can attract stringent punishment. They assured that strict action would be taken against those found guilty after due investigation.
The case has sent shockwaves through the academic and business community in Mangaluru, highlighting the risks of misplaced trust and misuse of digital technology. Police said further details will be revealed as the investigation progresses.