Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Claim
Supriya Sule demands encashing of Bitcoins, linked to a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud, to generate funds for elections.
Fact
Multiple detection tools found that the audio is highly likely an AI generated content.
On the eve of the Maharashtra Assembly Poll, the MVA leaders were hit by a major controversy after a retired police officer, Ravindranath Patil, accused Supriya Sule and Nana Patole of being involved in a 2018 cryptocurrency fraud case. Patil further alleged that the funds were used in campaigning for the Lok Sabha Elections and Maharashtra Polls.
The BJP was quick to attack the opposition, accusing them of “Bitcoin Scam.” It also presented purported audio notes of the MVA leaders claiming them to be evidence of their involvement in the scam.
In one such audio note, Sule allegedly addresses one ‘Gaurav Mehta,’ an employee of audit firm Sarathi Associates.
“Boss Gaurav what’s happening. None of you people are responding. Don’t play games with me at all. Gupta has vanished but what happens to money then. He says all bitcoins and cash is with you… Elections are going on,” the NCP-SP leader is allegedly heard saying.
She purportedly asks “cash out all the bitcoins,” and allegedly says, “The prices are favourable right now, and with the elections approaching, we are going to need substantial funds. Don’t worry about the inquiries. Once we are in power, we’ll handle them. Just get it done.”
This audio has spread like wildfire on social media platforms as Maharashtra votes for assembly elections. The mainstream media has also widely reported on the same.
Such posts can be seen here, here and here.
Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the controversial audio, we noticed that it lacks any natural pitch, modulation and breathers raising our doubts about the authenticity of the clip.
We then reached out to the Deepfakes Analysis Unit (DAU), of The Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA), of which Newschecker is a part, who ran past the viral audio through multiple detection tools, and found that it is highly likely an AI generated content.
They checked the audio on Hiya AI Voice Detection tool which stated that the “voice seems to be AI generated.” Adding, “there is a 3% match with live human markers.”
DAU also ran past the viral clip on HIVE’s audio tool which also suggested a high probability of the audio having AI elements.
Another AI detection tool, True Media also found “substantial evidence of manipulation” in the audio clip.
The classifier results from Deepfake-o-meter also indicated that the audio has a high “AI generated likelihood.”
Spreading False Information To Manipulate Voters: Sule Denies Allegations
Supriya Sule has refuted the allegations of bitcoin misappropriation, and filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India & the Cyber crime. “Familiar tactics of spreading false information to manipulate the righteous voters are being resorted to, a night before the polling day,” she said in an X post.
“The intent and mala fide actors behind it are amply evident, condemn worthy that such practices are taking place in a healthy democracy guided by the Constitution of India,” Sule added.
Newschecker has reached out to experts from their view on the viral audio clip, and the article will be updated upon receiving the same.
Conclusion
Hence, detection tools indicate a high probability of the controversial audio, in which Supriya Sule allegedly asked to encash Bitcoins for elections, being AI generated.
Result: Altered Photo/Video
Sources
DAU Analysis
X Post By Supriya Sule, Dated November 19, 2024
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
