Musician arrested for using Bot streams to generate $10m in royalties

By Taiwo Okanlawon

The Federal Bureau of Intelligence has arrested an American singer, Michael Smith for earning $10 million in royalties through Bot streams.

He was accused of using Artificial Intelligence, AI, tools and bots to fraudulently stream songs billions of times.

Michael Smith is being charged with three counts of wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.

The Justice Department in a news release, explained that each offense carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.

“As alleged, Michael Smith fraudulently streamed songs created with artificial intelligence billions of times to steal royalties.”

Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney in the release, said, “Through his brazen fraud scheme, Smith stole millions in royalties that should have been paid to other rights holders whose songs were legitimately streamed.

“Thanks to the FBI and the career prosecutors of this Office, it’s time for Smith to face the music.”