FAKE ACCOUNT ALERT: Sudhir Ruparelia Issues Warning Over Impersonating X Profile

By Gad Masereka

Ugandan billionaire Sudhir Ruparelia has publicly disavowed a fraudulent X account impersonating him, marking the latest escalation in a wave of digital deception targeting high-profile figures.

The fake profile, @RupareliaSudhi, amassed over 21,000 followers before Ruparelia’s denunciation, peddling fabricated statements—including emotionally charged posts exploiting the tragic death of his son, Rajiv, earlier this year. “This account is fake,” Ruparelia told TheSpy Uganda. “Whoever is behind it is using my name to mislead the public, and their intentions are anything but honest.”

The impersonation scheme underscores a growing global crisis of AI-driven disinformation and identity fraud. Just weeks ago, Ruparelia’s likeness was hijacked in a deepfake video promoting a sham cryptocurrency scheme, echoing tactics seen in Russian bot farms that use AI to impersonate Americans and spread geopolitical propaganda .

While X (formerly Twitter) eventually suspended the @RupareliaSudhi account, the delay highlights persistent gaps in platform enforcement—a concern amplified by recent EU warnings about X’s lax content moderation amid election-related misinformation .

Media ethics have also come under scrutiny. Andrew Irumba, president of Uganda’s Independent Online Journalists Association, lambasted outlets for uncritically amplifying the fake account’s posts.

“Attributing unverified content to a public figure isn’t just reckless—it erodes trust in journalism,” Irumba said. His critique mirrors broader calls for cross-referencing sources, as outlined by fact-checking advocates who urge scrutiny of emotional triggers and suspicious grammar in online posts .

The incident reveals a stark reality: even grieving families aren’t off-limits to bad actors. The fake account’s posts about Rajiv’s death—a deeply personal tragedy—resonate with global patterns of disinformation campaigns weaponizing sensitive events.

Similar tactics were observed in a Kremlin-linked bot farm that manipulated narratives around Ukraine, leveraging AI to stoke division . “These schemes prey on empathy,” noted a digital security analyst familiar with African cybercrime trends. “The more visceral the content, the faster it spreads—and the harder it is to correct.”

Ruparelia’s ordeal also spotlights the limitations of reactive measures. Despite his warnings, experts stress that proactive media literacy is critical. Initiatives like Uganda’s Communications Commission have long urged verified social media badges and public education, but enforcement remains patchy . Meanwhile, researchers emphasize that fact-checking, while useful, struggles to keep pace with AI-generated falsehoods .

As X grapples with its role as a disinformation vector—evidenced by studies showing fake accounts proliferating ahead of elections —the burden falls on users and institutions alike. For now, Ruparelia’s camp reiterates he has no X presence. But the broader lesson is clear: in an era where authenticity is under siege, vigilance is the first line of defense. “Verify before you trust,” Irumba urged. “And if something feels off, it probably is.”