Feds Charge AI Music Maker for Faking Streams In $10 Million Scheme
Michael Smith is accused of orchestrating an elaborate plot involving fake music and fake listeners to make big money from royalties.

A musician from Cornelius, North Carolina has been charged with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy in connection with a years-long scheme to manipulate music streaming platforms and pocket over $10 million in royalties with AI-generated songs.

From 2017 to 2024, Michael Smith, 52, allegedly used AI to generate songs and automated bots to inflate listener numbers across music streaming platforms. While the services used were not disclosed, major players like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music pay royalties to artists based on how popular they are.

The case against Smith was announced Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York