AI Security

Even AI Can't Help You Hide From The Law

WNWNIAI Newsroom 2 min read(updated 21 August 2026)
Reviewed by the WNIAI Newsroom · Independent Australian AI coverage
Even AI Can't Help You Hide From The Law — illustrative image
Image: TechRadar

You've probably heard the saying, "crime doesn't pay." Well, it seems neither does asking an AI chatbot for tips on how to get away with it.

In a bizarre turn of events, a former FBI counterintelligence supervisor is facing serious charges. He's accused of stealing around $1 million in cryptocurrency that was meant to be confiscated from a foreign adversary. But the most eye-catching detail? He allegedly consulted ChatGPT — that clever AI program that can chat like a human — for advice on how to leave the country and even how to reinvest his ill-gotten gains.

Now, you might think a highly intelligent AI could offer some sophisticated tips. But here's the catch: AI, like ChatGPT, keeps records of its conversations. It doesn't forget. So, asking it for advice on criminal activities is a bit like writing down your plans in a diary and then handing it over to the police. It creates a digital trail that can be easily traced by authorities.

This case is a stark reminder that while AI tools are becoming incredibly powerful and useful for all sorts of tasks, they aren't magical solutions for everything – especially not for breaking the law. For everyday Australians and small business owners, it highlights an important point about data and privacy. What you put into these AI tools, whether for work or personal use, often leaves a trace. It's always wise to be mindful of what information you share with any digital service.

It also shows that the basic principles of law and order still apply, no matter how high-tech the tools involved. So, while AI can help you write emails, brainstorm ideas, or even plan a holiday, don't expect it to be your accomplice in a crime. It turns out, common sense still trumps artificial intelligence when it comes to covering your tracks.

Why it matters

This story is a quirky reminder that while AI is smart, it's not a secret keeper. For small businesses and individuals, it highlights that any information you feed into AI tools can leave a digital footprint, so it's always good to be aware of your digital privacy.

#ai-security#chatgpt#cryptocurrency#crime#digital-privacy#ai-ethics#law-enforcement

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