Wan Saiful among MPs targeted by AI-generated explicit video extortion emails

TASEK Gelugor Member of Parliament Wan Saiful Wan Jan has revealed he is among the growing number of Malaysian politicians who have received threatening emails involving doctored explicit content.

He disclosed the matter in a Facebook post, stating that he only discovered the email when casually checking his spam folder during breakfast in his constituency.

"Actually, there are more MPs who received this blackmail email. Perhaps they are just unaware as it ended up in the spam folder, like it did in my case," he wrote.

According to Wan Saiful, the email resembled those received by other lawmakers and was allegedly sent by an individual claiming to be a "private investigator" who possesses compromising materials and is demanding a ransom of USD100,000 (approximately RM420,000).

"It also included a QR code for payment and a photo on a bed. The image I received looks the same as what was sent to other MPs," he said, adding that he intends to report the matter to the authorities.

He expressed confidence that the public understands the images and videos are fabricated.

Earlier, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) confirmed receiving four police reports from Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen regarding extortion attempts involving the distribution of fake explicit videos.

Reports were lodged by Subang MP Wong Chen; Senator Datuk Nelson W Angang; Kulim State Assemblyman Wong Chia Zhen; and Sungai Petani MP Mohammed Taufiq Johari.

Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Datuk M Kumar, had stated that the recipients reported receiving emails from an unknown source on 12 September.

"The suspect demanded a payment of USD100,000 (approximately RM420,000) for a video believed to have been generated using artificial intelligence (AI) technology for the purpose of extortion.

"If the demand was not met within three days, a fake pornographic video using their likeness would be disseminated on social media," he said in a statement.

The cases are being investigated under Section 385 of the Penal Code for extortion and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities or services.

PDRM, Kumar said, is working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to trace the email sender and gather further information to support the ongoing investigation.

He also issued a stern warning that any individuals involved in producing, disseminating or exploiting such materials will face uncompromising legal action.

"Police will not compromise with any party attempting to threaten national security, public order, or societal harmony," he said. - September 15, 2025