# Criminals used AI and children’s coding software to build a multimillion-dollar ad fraud empire > Source: > Published: 2026-07-31 12:19:31+00:00 A security investigation into inexpensive Android TV boxes led researchers to an ad fraud operation that had remained unnoticed for several years. Fuyao apps ecosystem (Source: Bitsight) According to Bitsight, the operation, named Fuyao, uses preinstalled Android apps, device identity spoofing, AI-generated websites, and residential proxy services to generate advertising revenue without device owners’ knowledge. “Fuyao’s business model operates under its ability to always identify where an ad lives on a website, spoof the device … [More ](https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2026/07/31/fuyao-ad-fraud-botnet-android-tv-boxes/) The post [Criminals used AI and children’s coding software to build a multimillion-dollar ad fraud empire](https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2026/07/31/fuyao-ad-fraud-botnet-android-tv-boxes/) appeared first on [Help Net Security](https://www.helpnetsecurity.com).