Man shares AI pic of crocodile that sparks Singapore reservoir closure, arrested

A 30-year-old Myanmar national has been charged in Singapore after he shared an AI-generated image falsely showing a crocodile at a reservoir, triggering a search operation and a temporary suspension of water activities.

According to a report by CNA, Ye Lin was handed two charges on September 29: communicating a false message and obstructing the course of justice.

Speaking through an interpreter in court, he said he intended to plead guilty and would not engage a lawyer.

The case dates back to August 20, when Ye Lin sent an AI-generated image of a crocodile at Pandan Reservoir to his colleague, identified in court documents as Min Min Oo. The image was subsequently reported to authorities as a possible crocodile sighting.

The information prompted Singapore's national water agency Public Utilities Board (PUB) and the National Parks Board to carry out search and capture operations around the reservoir.

Water activities were also temporarily suspended, with the Singapore Rowing Association and Singapore Canoe Federation informed to halt activities in the area.

The following day, PUB determined that the crocodile image was fake and lodged a police report. Water activities at Pandan Reservoir were then allowed to resume.

Ye Lin is also accused of deleting the AI-generated images and the log history from the Gemini AI app on his phone on August 21. Prosecutors have cited this as the basis for the charge of obstructing the course of justice.

Singapore Police subsequently warned that action would be taken against people who deliberately communicate false information. Authorities said such claims can cause public fear and inconvenience while also requiring public resources to be deployed unnecessarily.

Ye Lin is due back in court on November 10. If convicted of communicating a false message, he could face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to S$10,000 (Rs 9.6 lakh), or both. The charge of obstructing the course of justice carries a maximum jail term of seven years, a fine, or both.- Ends