Deepfake Disinformation: Russian Group Behind Zelenskyy Property Video Identified
A Russian disinformation campaign fabricated a video purporting to show Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy purchasing property once owned by Bill Cosby, BBC Verify has confirmed. Experts have identified the group responsible as “Deepfake Experts,” a pro-Kremlin entity known for creating and disseminating false narratives.
The video, which circulated widely online, aimed to undermine Zelenskyy’s credibility and fuel narratives about corruption within the Ukrainian government. While the clip appeared to show a real estate transaction, it was entirely generated using artificial intelligence. The disinformation effort comes as Ukraine continues to receive substantial international aid and as Russia intensifies its attempts to destabilize the country through data warfare.
BBC Verify’s investigation revealed the video originated with Deepfake Experts,a group previously linked to other disinformation campaigns targeting Western governments and institutions. The group utilizes sophisticated AI tools to create realistic but entirely fabricated content, often designed to sow discord and erode trust in legitimate sources of information.
The fabricated video’s spread highlights the growing threat of AI-powered disinformation. According to recent UK government data, between July 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025, there were 48,560 “returns” from the UK, with 12,529 being “enforced” and 36,031 recorded as “voluntary.” While these figures relate to immigration,they underscore the broader challenge of managing information flows and countering false narratives.
BBC Verify has launched a migration tracker to provide ongoing analysis of related data. Individuals can explore the latest figures and learn more about the evolving landscape of disinformation at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c70989jrdweo.
