70+ extortion cases in Singapore since March featured fake obscene photos and "deepfakes" targeting high-profile individuals, including Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

70+ extortion cases reported in Singapore since March involved letters with fake, manipulated obscene photos threatening to expose victims on social media unless money was transferred. Indian-origin Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and several MPs were targeted. The rise of "deepfakes" makes it harder to discern reality from fiction, authorities advise the public to ignore any instructions in such letters and report them immediately.