Man charged over AI image of crocodile at Singapore reservoir that led to search

A 30-year-old Myanmar national, Ye Lin, was charged on Tuesday in connection with an AI-generated image of a crocodile at Pandan Reservoir in Singapore. The image allegedly led authorities to search for the reptile and suspend water activities at the reservoir. Ye Lin is facing two charges: one count of communicating a false message and one count of obstructing the course of justice.

He claimed through an interpreter that he intended to plead guilty and would not be hiring a lawyer. On August 20, Ye Lin allegedly sent a fake AI-generated image of a crocodile at Pandan Reservoir to an unnamed individual, identified as Min Min Oo in court documents. The police stated that Ye Lin had sent the image to his colleague.

The following day, Ye Lin is accused of deleting the AI-generated images and log history from his mobile phone, which is the basis for the obstructing the course of justice charge. The National Water Agency, PUB, received information on August 20 about a crocodile sighting at Pandan Reservoir and informed the National Parks Board.

Both agencies conducted search and capture operations, and the Singapore Rowing Association and Singapore Canoe Federation were instructed to suspend water activities at the reservoir. On August 21, it was revealed that the photo of the crocodile was fake, and a police report was lodged. Water activities were resumed on August 21.

The police emphasized that they will take action against anyone who spreads false information, as it not only causes public fear and inconvenience but also unnecessarily deploys public resources. Ye Lin is scheduled to return to court on November 10.