Greek police dismantle AI-enabled phone scam ring

Greek police have dismantled a criminal organisation accused of carrying out telephone scams and aggravated thefts using artificial intelligence to clone the voices of victims’ relatives.

Two men, aged 23 and 25, were arrested during an operation in Nea Ionia. Police allege they acted as collectors and were caught shortly after removing valuables worth about €30,000 from a home.

Callers posed as service workers

According to the Hellenic Police, members of the group posed as employees of the Independent Power Transmission Operator, mobile phone companies or fibre-optic providers.

When victims became suspicious, the suspects allegedly obtained a voice sample from a relative or another person close to them and used AI tools to create a convincing voice imitation.

Group linked to more cases

Police said the organisation had a defined structure, with callers identifying potential victims while other members collected money and valuables.

The group has been linked to five additional cases, while police also solved the theft of a vehicle on Sept. 14 that was allegedly used as a getaway car.

Authorities estimate the organisation’s illegal proceeds exceeded €1 million.

Source:AMNA