Johnny Somali Could Be Sentenced To 31 Years In Jail Because Of Deepfake Sex Crimes

A controversial streamer's reckless behaviour could land him behind bars for decades. Johnny Somali, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, is facing a potential jail sentence of up to 31 years in South Korea over a series of serious charges. This case shines a light on how a string of provocative actions abroad can spiral into severe legal consequences.

It seems as though Johnny Somali's latest legal trouble stems from a sex crime allegation made in May 2025. The charge involves the distribution of a deepfake video showing him kissing a well-known Korean streamer, BongBong. In South Korea, the law treats the creation and sharing of deepfake videos with sexual content as a sex offence. Each of these charges can carry a maximum sentence of 10.5 years.

Previously, Somali was accused of distributing another deepfake involving the same type of content, which has now been supplemented with a second charge. His actions in South Korea have repeatedly drawn attention, not just for their provocative nature but also for their legal implications. If convicted on both deepfake counts, he could face as much as 21 years in prison solely for those offences.

Past Incidents and Disruptive Behaviour

Before arriving in South Korea, Somali had already established a reputation as a 'nuisance influencer' during his travels. His visits to Japan and Israel resulted in bans, but he continued to cause disruptions wherever he went. In 2024, he travelled to South Korea, where his behaviour was particularly confrontational.

He harassed local people, interrupted businesses, and deliberately provoked other streamers. One incident resulted in him being knocked out by a former Korean Navy SEAL. The soldier was later fined for assault, but the episode underscored Somali's confrontational style. His antics attracted media attention and heightened legal scrutiny, especially as authorities began to investigate his activities in South Korea.

Additional Legal Complications

In addition to the deepfake charges, Somali faces a separate accusation of obstructing business. According to sources, when combined with the deepfake allegations, Somali faces a total potential jail time of 31 years if found guilty on all counts.

There are also other allegations in the air that have not yet led to formal charges. These include threats to spread HIV, allegations of promoting North Korean propaganda, and violations of anti-terrorism laws. Authorities are still investigating these claims, which could further complicate his legal situation. As things stand, Somali's future in South Korea remains uncertain, with the possibility of lengthy imprisonment looming.

What Lies Ahead?

The case against Johnny Somali is still unfolding. His legal team is likely to contest some charges, but the severity of the allegations makes his prospects uncertain. If convicted on all counts, he faces a lengthy prison term that could effectively end his streaming career and personal freedom.

While his behaviour has often been provocative, the legal system in South Korea treats the distribution of deepfake videos as a serious offence. With each charge carrying significant penalties, Somali's future appears grim unless he can mount a convincing defence.