By Andrew Ekejiuba
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued a warning to its stakeholders regarding fraudulent accounts impersonating its President, Thomas Bach, in an effort to obtain sensitive information.
The IOC revealed that at least two fake accounts on WhatsApp and Telegram, along with emails, have been used to target influential figures, including senior politicians and officials within the Olympic Movement. The perpetrators have even deployed a deep-faked voice, purportedly that of the IOC President, created through Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Those targeted are drawn into sensitive discussions designed to gain unauthorised access to their systems. The unknown attackers also attempted to access Bach’s personal data by impersonating a high-ranking politician. However, this attempt was unsuccessful.
The IOC described the campaign as broad and sophisticated, targeting an unspecified number of high-ranking officials. It urged individuals to exercise extreme caution if approached.
This development comes amid a wider campaign of disinformation and defamation aimed at the IOC, its President, and the Olympic Games in the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.