Johor police probe AI blackmail email targeting Tebrau MP

JOHOR police have confirmed receiving a report from Tebrau Member of Parliament Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, who claims to have been blackmailed via email with an explicit deepfake video allegedly featuring him, accompanied by a demand for USD100,000 (approximately RM470,000).

Johor Police Chief Commissioner Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the report was filed at 9.30am today at the Permas Jaya Police Station.

“The case is being investigated under Section 385 of the Penal Code for extortion and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Puah told reporters that the threatening message was sent to his official parliamentary email account around 5.30pm yesterday.

“The email contained an image of an individual resembling me in a compromising position with another person. It was a screenshot from a video,” he explained.

The email reportedly demanded payment within three days, threatening to release the fabricated image and video across multiple platforms if payment was not made. A QR code linked to an overseas payment system was also included.

The Johor PKR vice-chairman dismissed the image as fake and the result of AI manipulation.

“I believe this was an attempt originating from abroad. I will also file a complaint with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

“This kind of misuse of AI to create false content is a dangerous trend. Other Members of Parliament have reportedly received similar threats, and a special memo regarding the issue was recently issued by the Speaker’s Office,” he added.

Puah urged authorities to act swiftly and investigate the incident thoroughly, expressing concern that the content may already have been circulated online. - September 16, 2025