Russian Scam Duo Deceived OpenAI Executives About Ukraine

Over the years, the Russian prank duo Vovan and Lexus have tricked a number of well-known politicians and officials around the world, including Swedish ministers and several heads of state. Now, the same duo has managed to infiltrate a conversation with three high-ranking security officials at OpenAI, where they posed as Ukraine’s intelligence chief.

Three high-ranking security officials at OpenAI were tricked into a 17-minute video call with the Russian prank duo Vovan and Lexus, which The Intercept was the first to report on.

The duo pretended to be Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's intelligence service, and prompted OpenAI officials to discuss military aid to Ukraine, including the possibility of providing offensive AI capabilities.

Three security managers attended the meeting

The following people participated in the meeting: Sasha Baker, Head of National Security Policy at OpenAI, Caroline Zier, responsible for strategic initiatives, and Ben Crampton, who leads the company’s European security efforts. All three have previously held senior positions in U.S. defense agencies or international organizations. During the conversation, Crampton noted, among other things, that OpenAI wants to build as deep a relationship as possible with Ukraine, but that it may take time. He also mentioned some internal reluctance to involve the technology in offensive military contexts.

OpenAI confirms that the call took place and that the company has investigated it. According to a spokesperson, it was determined to be a prank by individuals with a history of targeting public officials and companies. The company says it has taken steps to prevent similar incidents.

Previously Deceived Swedish Ministers

Since 2011, Vovan and Lexus have been making prank calls to famous people. Among their victims are Swedish politicians such as Ann Linde (S), Tobias Billström (M) and Pål Jonson (M), as well as world leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Boris Johnson and Justin Trudeau.

The pair has previously been accused of having ties to the Russian government, which they deny. According to them, the OpenAI meeting was arranged through a Ukrainian official in San Francisco who believed he was speaking with the real Umerov.