Singapore charges man over fake AI crocodile image

Singapore police charged a man Tuesday over a fake AI-generated image of a crocodile at the city-state's largest reservoir that prompted public concern, a search and the suspension of activities.

The man, identified as Ye Lin, 30, from Myanmar, was charged with communicating a false message and obstructing the course of justice, police and local media said.

Police alleged that Ye created the image of a saltwater crocodile using artificial intelligence last month and sent it to a colleague. Authorities were alerted to the possible presence of a deadly predator at Pandan Reservoir, a popular jogging and kayaking area west of the city centre.

Authorities later said the photograph linked to the reported sighting was fake and referred the matter to police. Police said Ye then deleted the image and the related application in an attempt to conceal his actions.

The Straits Times reported that Ye told a Singapore court through an interpreter that he intended to plead guilty. He is due back in court in November.

If convicted of communicating a false message, Ye could face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both. The obstruction charge carries an additional possible sentence of up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.