A 30-year-old Myanmar national has been charged in Singapore after allegedly using artificial intelligence to create and share a fake image of a crocodile at a reservoir, triggering a search operation by authorities.
Ye Lin appeared in court on charges of communicating a false message and obstructing the course of justice, according to the BBC.
He told the court through an interpreter that he intended to plead guilty and would not hire a lawyer. His case will return to court on November 10.
The incident happened on August 20 at about 3pm when Ye Lin allegedly used Google Gemini to generate an image showing a saltwater crocodile at Pandan Reservoir in western Singapore.
He then sent the image to his colleague, Min Min Oo.
The fake image prompted Singapore’s Public Utilities Board (PUB), the country’s national water agency, to launch a search and capture operation with the National Parks Board.
Water activities at the reservoir were also suspended. The Singapore Rowing Association and Singapore Canoe Federation were instructed to stop rowing, canoeing and other activities as officials searched for the alleged crocodile.
On August 21, PUB confirmed that the image was fake. The agency subsequently made a police report, while water activities at the reservoir later resumed.
Police also allege that Ye Lin deleted the AI-generated images and the activity log from the Gemini application on his mobile phone.
Investigators said the deletion was intended to conceal his involvement in creating and sharing the fake image.
“The police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who communicates falsehoods,” authorities said.
Police added that false reports can cause fear and inconvenience while resulting in the unnecessary use of public resources.
If convicted of communicating a false message, Ye Lin could face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Sh1 million ($10,000), or both.
The charge of obstructing the course of justice carries a possible prison sentence of up to seven years, a fine, or both.
If convicted on both charges, he could face a maximum of 10 years in prison.