Fake YouTube tutorials promoting AI-built crypto arbitrage bots directed 224 victims to deploy and fund malicious smart contracts, draining 274.60 ETH between Feb. 12 and Aug. 11, according to TRM Labs. The blockchain intelligence firm identified 234 victim-deployed contracts linked to six operator-controlled collection addresses; the stolen ETH was worth about $517,205 when transferred, with median losses of 1 ETH. On-chain investigator Specter separately reported that the operation used a counterfeit Remix interface and ENS names containing Uniswap to appear legitimate, and said a substantial portion of the funds remained across two addresses while the attackers appeared active. TRM said the contracts contained neither arbitrage nor AI functionality and linked the scheme to a broader 40% year-on-year increase in criminal AI use reported in its 2026 AI Crime Index.