In online communities on the Darknet that speak Russian and other languages, there are listings offering to craft deepfake videos of any person for a price around 20,000. The current exchange rate places this at about 1.6 million rubles. A single minute of manipulated footage can cost at least 300, or roughly 23,000 rubles. These figures come from a report by Kaspersky Lab, presented in their recent blog analysis.
Experts note that many of these services are aimed at crypto scams. The scams often revolve around crypto streams or fake cryptocurrency raffles, a tactic designed to entice spectators to send digital currency directly to the scammers. The pattern is well known in the fraud community and has proved effective in tricking victims who trust in what they see on screen.
According to Kaspersky Lab researchers, the scammers frequently use fabricated videos of celebrities to draw audiences or they splice old footage to launch a live stream on major social platforms. The deception leverages familiarity and credibility to lower victims’ guard and accelerate the transfer of funds.
Beyond entertainment or scams, Darknet vendors also offer services to produce pornographic deepfakes and even publish instructions for creating such material. Kaspersky Lab emphasizes that these fraudulent productions can be used to harass individuals or coerce them into compromising situations, underscoring the broader risks tied to the technology.
One notable example previously highlighted in the media involved a well-known streamer, an American in his early thirties who acknowledged feeling overwhelmed after watching erotic deepfakes featuring popular streamers. The incident underscored how easily synthetic media can blur lines between reality and manipulation, leaving victims with lasting emotional and reputational damage. Researchers stress that awareness and cautious sharing of videos are essential steps to mitigate harm.