Prestone Tynsong and Vivek Syiem deepfake video — Oct 2026

An AI-generated deepfake video has surfaced on social media, falsely implicating Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem in a controversy regarding illegal money collection from truckers. This digital fabrication emerged alongside physical posters targeting the two officials, further intensifying public scrutiny in Shillong.

What happened

The incident began following reports of alleged extortion at police check gates in East Khasi Hills, where videos purportedly showed individuals collecting between Rs 200 and Rs 500 from truck drivers. In response to these allegations, the police initiated an inquiry, leading to the suspension of four personnel and the transfer of the officer-in-charge of the Diengpasoh Police Station.

Shortly after the initial controversy, an AI-generated deepfake video went viral, explicitly linking Tynsong and Syiem to the illicit collection activities. Police have officially labeled the video as fabricated. SP Vivek Syiem addressed the matter, noting that the accessibility of artificial intelligence has facilitated the creation of manipulated content. He emphasized that the allegations of illegal collection and the circulation of the deepfake video are distinct issues. While the police are examining the deepfake material to determine the appropriate legal response, they have urged citizens to file formal complaints or FIRs if they possess evidence of wrongdoing, rather than relying on manipulated media or memes.

Simultaneously, posters targeting the two officials appeared across Shillong. Currently, the identities of those responsible for both the posters and the deepfake video remain unknown, and there is no established evidence linking the two campaigns. The police continue to investigate the underlying allegations of extortion while separately reviewing the digital content to identify the creators and motives behind the disinformation campaign.