Brazilian authorities have uncovered a major streaming fraud operation, leading to the arrest of an individual responsible for generating 28 million fake plays on streaming platforms. The perpetrator earned approximately $65,000 through fraudulent activities, with authorities seizing over $400,000 in assets.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Out of Tune, was a collaborative effort between IFPI, Pro-Música Brasil, and APDIF (Association for the Protection of Phonographic Intellectual Rights). The Cyber Gaeco unit of the Goias State Prosecutor's Office made the arrest in December.

The fraudulent scheme involved:

• Uploading 500+ fake tracks to Spotify
• Generating 28 million artificial plays
• Stealing 36 tracks from local composers through WhatsApp groups
• Creating fake artist profiles

Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI, emphasized that "streaming manipulation of this nature is theft — stealing directly from artists and betraying fans." Paulo Rosa, President of Pro-Música Brasil, added that stream manipulation remains one of the music sector's biggest concerns.

Investigators also discovered the use of generative AI to create music tracks, though this aspect isn't currently included in the criminal charges. This finding highlights the emerging challenge of AI-generated content being used for streaming fraud, an area where legal frameworks are still developing.

All fraudulent content has been removed from Spotify at the prosecutor's request, and authorities continue to work internationally to combat similar illegal activities.

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