Ugandan billionaire Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has raised alarm over a deepfake video fraudulently using his likeness and voice to promote a Ponzi scheme.
The AI-generated clip, which has been circulating online, falsely portrays him endorsing a financial platform promising high returns.
Dismissing the video as a “malicious attempt” to deceive the public, Ruparelia clarified that he has no association with the scheme.
“This is not me. My voice and image have been manipulated using AI to trick people into parting with their hard-earned money,” he warned, urging Ugandans to verify investment offers through official channels.
Cybersecurity experts caution that AI-driven scams are on the rise, with fraudsters using deepfake technology to create realistic videos and mimic voices with alarming accuracy.
Kampala-based tech analyst Dr. Angela Ndaka noted that such tactics are no longer limited to major tech hubs but are now a serious threat in Uganda.
Authorities are investigating the scam, but digital fraud remains difficult to combat due to its borderless nature.
Previous reports indicate that similar AI-generated content featuring Ruparelia’s voice has already led to financial losses for unsuspecting victims.
As a businessman whose empire spans banking, real estate, and hospitality, Ruparelia is using his influence to warn the public against falling for such schemes.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” he cautioned. With AI-driven fraud becoming more sophisticated, experts are calling for stronger regulations and increased public awareness to counter this emerging threat.
