Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, along with several other Members of Parliament, has been targeted with extortion letters containing fabricated photos depicting them in obscene situations. Balakrishnan revealed in a Facebook post that he and his colleagues received these letters, which included "fake distasteful images accompanied by threats."
Expressing strong condemnation for such behavior, Balakrishnan stated that these actions are contrary to the values Singapore seeks to uphold. He emphasized that appropriate legal action would be taken, and police reports have been filed regarding the matter.
The letters, sent by post to the victims' workplaces, featured the faces of the recipients digitally imposed onto inappropriate images of individuals in intimate settings. The recipients were then threatened with dire consequences unless they contacted a provided email address.
According to reports, there have been over 70 police reports filed since March regarding similar extortion letters. The letters typically demand money to prevent the release of compromising photos and videos on social media platforms.
Balakrishnan highlighted the prevalence of "deepfakes" in today's digital age, making it increasingly difficult to discern real from fabricated content. He underscored the importance of collective action to combat such fraudulent activities, emphasizing the potential threats they pose to social fabric and public standing.
In response to these incidents, the police have advised the public to disregard any instructions provided in such letters, report the matter immediately, and preserve the letter for investigation purposes. Investigations into these extortion attempts are ongoing.
