Trio Indicted for $129 Million AI-Powered Corporate Impersonation Fraud Scheme
Three men used artificial intelligence to mimic CEOs and attorneys, defrauding global corporations.
1Sophisticated AI Impersonation Scheme
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan unsealed an indictment against Jacob Soall, Sharon Hazan, and Guy Sheetrit. The trio allegedly used artificial intelligence to impersonate corporate executives and attorneys. Between 2024 and 2026, they successfully defrauded companies of over $129 million by convincing employees to authorize large, unauthorized wire transfers for fake transactions.
2Targeting High-Level Corporate Employees
The defendants specifically targeted employees with the authority to execute significant financial transfers. By initiating contact through emails, they lured victims into confidential discussions regarding corporate acquisitions. These employees were then directed to voice or video calls where AI technology mimicked the voices and images of real company CEOs.
3Multi-Layered Deception Tactics
The fraud involved a secondary layer of impersonation. After the initial CEO call, victims were referred to a purported attorney at a major law firm. Jacob Soall allegedly used a handwritten script titled 'Lawyer Call' to maintain the facade. The fake attorney then instructed the employee to wire funds to controlled accounts.
4Global Scope of Financial Theft
The scheme impacted diverse entities, including hospital systems in Missouri and California, a Rhode Island bank, and a UK-based fintech firm. Specific losses included $11.5 million from a UK fintech company, $4.6 million from a Massachusetts mutual fund, and $5.2 million from a Florida pet food company during 2025.
5Laundering Through Cryptocurrency Assets
Once the funds were successfully wired to accounts controlled by the conspiracy, the money underwent a laundering process. According to court documents, the stolen cash was converted into cryptocurrency to conceal its origin. Sharon Hazan, who previously had a 2008 bank fraud conviction, allegedly boasted about his professional money laundering capabilities.
6Roles and Arrest Details
Each defendant held distinct responsibilities within the operation. Soall, 41, focused on impersonating legal counsel, while Hazan, 54, and Sheetrit, 42, managed the laundering of illicit proceeds. The trio, known by aliases like 'Rocky Balboa' and 'Superman Cash,' were arrested in Spain and the UK between June and September 2025.
7Legal Consequences and Charges
The men face seven charges, including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. Each wire fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, while aggravated identity theft carries a two-year term. Extradition requests are currently pending as the Southern District of New York pursues the case against the three defendants.
8Emerging Threats in Technology
This case highlights the growing risk of criminals weaponizing advanced technologies for large-scale fraud. U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald emphasized the need for businesses to protect themselves against such AI-enabled threats. The indictment serves as a warning regarding the vulnerability of corporate communication channels to sophisticated, AI-driven social engineering attacks.