AKD Securities Limited has issued a public warning to investors regarding the circulation of AI generated and deepfake videos that impersonate AKD Group Chairman Aqeel Karim Dhedhi and Chairperson Hina Junaid. According to a notice submitted to Pakistan Stock Exchange, unidentified individuals or groups have allegedly created fake social media accounts and pages, including on Facebook, using the names, photographs, and voices of the two company officials. The content is reportedly being used to promote unauthorized investment schemes and stock market advisory services while attempting to solicit funds from members of the public. Through the advisory, AKD Securities clarified that neither the company nor its leadership has any association with these activities and urged investors to remain vigilant when interacting with online investment promotions that claim to represent the organization.
The company stated that the fraudulent content makes use of artificial intelligence generated and deepfake technology to imitate the appearance and voices of senior executives in an effort to make the investment offers appear authentic. According to AKD Securities, the objective of these activities appears to be encouraging individuals to transfer funds into unauthorized investment schemes or rely on unofficial advisory services related to listed securities and stocks. Such misuse of AI generated media has become an increasing concern for financial institutions, as sophisticated digital content can make fraudulent promotions appear convincing to unsuspecting users. By issuing the public notice, the company sought to clearly distinguish its official communication channels from the unauthorized accounts and to reduce the risk of investors being misled by deceptive online material.
AKD Securities also confirmed that it has taken formal steps to address the matter through the relevant authorities. The brokerage informed Pakistan Stock Exchange that it submitted a complaint to National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency on September 16, requesting an investigation into the individuals or groups believed to be responsible for creating and distributing the misleading content. The complaint also seeks the removal or blocking of the fraudulent accounts, pages, and related material from the platforms where they are being circulated. In addition, the company stated that it is pursuing all available legal remedies in response to the matter. While investigations continue, AKD Securities emphasized that it has not launched, endorsed, sponsored, authorized, or otherwise been associated with any investment scheme, website, application, account, page, or group making such claims in the names of its executives or any entity within AKD Group.
The brokerage strongly encouraged investors and the wider public to exercise caution before responding to online investment opportunities that appear to originate from company representatives. It advised individuals not to engage with, rely upon, or act on any unauthorized messages, videos, phone calls, social media accounts, or digital platforms claiming to offer investment opportunities on behalf of Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Hina Junaid, AKD Securities, or any organization within AKD Group. The advisory highlights the growing misuse of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology in financial fraud, reinforcing the importance of verifying information through official corporate communication channels before making investment decisions or sharing financial information. By promptly informing investors and reporting the matter to NCCIA, AKD Securities aims to help reduce the risk of financial losses and protect the integrity of its brand while supporting efforts to address the misuse of emerging technologies in online fraud.
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