Former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli disclosed receiving an email demanding US$100,000 to suppress the release of a fabricated sex video purportedly depicting him with another man. Subang MP Wong Chen, who received a similar threat involving the same individual, confirmed to FMT that he promptly lodged a police report and will issue a statement after consulting with authorities on Monday, September 15, 2025.
Rafizi praised Wong’s team for their swift response and revealed that the email he received included a blurry screenshot from a doctored video, with his image artificially superimposed, alongside a QR code for transferring the demanded sum. “Technology makes it simple to fabricate such content, but I doubt these blackmailers invested millions in an AI firm,” he remarked, dismissing the video’s authenticity.
Reflecting on the challenges of public life, Rafizi, the former PKR deputy president, stated, “Many assume politics is easy, but taking a stand, exposing corruption, or challenging vested interests invites disruptions like this.” He suggested the email’s primary intent might have been to hack his electronic devices, noting multiple sophisticated cyberattacks targeting his iPhone and Apple accounts over the past nine months. Apple issued warnings about these attacks in November 2024, March 2025, June 2025, and on September 3, 2025, identifying them as “mercenary spyware,” such as Pegasus, developed by Israel’s NSO Group for mobile surveillance and data harvesting, likely tied to his political activities.
Rafizi cautioned that threats, defamation through fake videos, and hacking attempts are likely to persist. He urged the public to verify any suspicious videos, images, or emails claiming to involve him.
The blackmail attempt follows a disturbing incident last month in which Rafizi’s 12-year-old son was stabbed with a syringe at a Putrajaya shopping mall. His wife subsequently received two threatening text messages stating, “Be quiet. If you continue, AIDS.” Although medical tests confirmed no drugs or poison were administered, Rafizi’s son faces six months of monitoring to rule out viral infections like HIV or hepatitis. Rafizi linked the attack to a case he was investigating, having recently met with whistleblowers.
