🔗 Share this article Exposing Venezuelan Victory Videos and AI-Generated Pictures of Nicolás Maduro. Synthetic graphics purporting to depict Venezuela's president under arrest after his apprehension by the United States have garnered countless of views across the internet. The Way Fake Pictures of Maduro Emerged Soon After Initial fabricated synthetic picture seemingly displaying him being escorted off a plane surfaced shortly after. This image was absent from any official American sources; it was instead uploaded on the platform X by an profile describing itself as an “enthusiast of AI-generated art”. Our analysis used an AI-watermark detector, which found the image was generated or edited with generative AI. More synthetic images were disseminated in the following period, appearing to show more angles of the leader detained. Visible logos on these pictures show they came from an Instagram account called ultravfx. AI analysis confirms all of these images were likewise produced using AI technology. Authentic Image Posted but Fabrications Continued Donald Trump shared the first real photo of Maduro restrained aboard the US Navy ship on Saturday morning. However, despite this confirmation was published, AI-generated pictures persisted online but were updated to include the grey athletic wear seen on Maduro. Reverse image searches indicate these updated fakes were initially shared on the video platform by a graphic design account. Once again, the AI-watermark detector confirms these further images were created or altered AI tools. Important Facts: Synthetic media gained traction following the announcement of the president's apprehension. The initial fabricated picture was shared very quickly on platform X. Tools like AI-watermark detectors helped to confirm the pictures as synthetic. Fake images persisted to spread and be updated even after the release of authentic images. The origin of many fabricated images was traced to specific online accounts dedicated to graphic design.