A Vitali Klitschko deepfake fooled several majors after talking via video chat through an imposter.
Klitschko, the major of Kyiv and currently defending his city from Russia, has his image used in a FaceTime scam.
Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey spoke to ‘Klitschko’ for 30 mins before she realized and an official announcement followed from the Chancellery.
Vitali Klitschko deepfake
“There was no evidence that the video conference was not being conducted with a real person. Apparently, it is deep fake. The LKA Berlin, state security, is on [to it],” they said.
Berlin added that the exchange between the person behind the fake and Giffey brought concerns.
“The course of the conversation and the setting of the topic have caused distrust on the Berlin side.”
Mayors from Vienna and Madrid both spoke to the Vitali Klitschko deepfake, with the former Michael Ludwig failing to rumble the artificial nature throughout the call.
Klitschko’s brother Wladimir raised the alarm to more people when he retweeted the warnings from several mayoral offices.
Vitali has taken praise worldwide for his efforts in fighting against the war in Ukraine after taking up arms alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Lennox Lewis
Recently, on the 19th anniversary of his breakout fight with Lennox Lewis, his former rival paid tribute to his heroics.
“Normally, on June 21st, I would do a fight anniversary post of my fight with @vitaliyklitschko, but today I simply want to salute him.
“He is in the biggest fight of his life, and the sacrifices he has made to serve his fellow Ukrainian citizens are not just commendable, it’s admirable.
“It takes a lot of courage to step into a boxing ring, and as fighters, we know that every fight could be our last, but the courage to stand up for your country and fellow citizens like him takes a different level of courage and love.
“So on this June 21st, I salute you, my friend, Vitaly.
“May God keep you safe and bless you with peace, love, and happiness. Bless!”
Lewis vs. Klitschko took place in 2003 at Staples Center [now Crypto Arena] in Los Angeles, California. Klitschko got the better of Lewis for long spells before a cut ended the fight in the mid rounds.
Taking the fight at short notice, Lewis later admitted he didn’t research how good his opponent was back then.
“Dr. Ironfist” would rule as WBC heavyweight champion twice in an exceptional Hall of Fame career.
WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow World Boxing News on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.
