Trio Charged With Using AI to Impersonate CEOs and Steal Millions
Federal prosecutors reveal a sophisticated AI-driven scheme that defrauded global corporations of $129 million.
1Sophisticated AI Impersonation Scheme
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan unsealed an indictment against three men for a massive fraud operation. Jacob Soall, Sharon Hazan, and Guy Sheetrit allegedly used artificial intelligence to mimic the voices and images of CEOs. Between 2024 and 2026, they successfully defrauded companies of over $129 million through these deceptive digital tactics.
2Targeting Corporate Financial Authority
The defendants specifically targeted high-ranking employees capable of authorizing significant wire transfers. By convincing victims that a confidential acquisition was underway, the trio orchestrated fake voice and video calls. These interactions were designed to bypass internal security protocols by leveraging the perceived authority of the company's top executive leadership.
3Multi-Layered Deception Tactics
The scheme involved a secondary layer of impersonation where the defendants posed as attorneys from major law firms. After the initial CEO call, victims were directed to these fake lawyers to finalize the fraudulent transactions. This dual-impersonation strategy ensured that the victim felt the entire process was legitimate and legally sound.
4Documented Financial Losses
Specific incidents highlight the scale of the theft across different sectors. In March 2025, a United Kingdom fintech firm lost $11.5 million, followed by a $4.6 million loss at a Massachusetts mutual fund in April. Additionally, a Florida pet food company was defrauded of $5.2 million during the month of June 2025.
5Roles Within the Conspiracy
Each defendant held a distinct role in the criminal operation. Jacob Soall utilized scripts filled with legal terminology to impersonate attorneys effectively. Meanwhile, Sharon Hazan and Guy Sheetrit focused on the complex process of laundering the stolen funds, with Hazan reportedly claiming to be a top-tier professional in global money laundering.
6International Arrests and Extradition
The suspects were apprehended across different countries throughout 2024 and 2025. Soall was arrested in Spain in June, Hazan followed in Spain in August, and Sheetrit was detained in the United Kingdom in September. Currently, the United States government is actively pursuing the extradition of all three men to face trial.
7Legal Charges and Penalties
The trio faces seven serious charges, including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. If convicted, these individuals could face decades in federal prison. The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences associated with the malicious application of emerging technologies to commit large-scale financial crimes against businesses.
8Growing Threat of AI Crime
This indictment follows other recent Manhattan court cases involving the illicit use of AI, such as a streaming royalty fraud scheme. U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald emphasized the urgent need for the business community to implement robust protections against these emerging threats. The case highlights how synthetic media is transforming traditional corporate fraud.