Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe appeared at a press event at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday where he warned Bahamians about fake videos generated by AI (Artificial Intelligence).

Recently, videos have been circulated online of prominent figures such as the Governor General, the Prime Minister and Governor of the Central Bank. Scammers have also generated misinformation materials purported to be from trusted local news sources.

According to Minister Munroe the videos are being used to promote fake investment products. He said that authorities will pursue those behind the videos and foreshadowed the drafting of legislation to address such issues. “I say this to those behind these scams, you are breaking the law. You are targeting people in moments of economic pressure and uncertainty and we will not tolerate it.”

Such crimes are investigated by the Financial Crimes Section of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Superintendent Anthony Strachan said investigations of the videos are in the preliminary stage and that the videos currently circulating are solely financially motivated.

Minister Munroe assured that the full weight of the law will brought against anyone who engages in this kind of deception. “Whether you are behind a screen, here at home in The Bahamas or operating from oversees. We will use the tools of international cooperation, extradition treaties and digital forensics to find you and we will protect our people.”