A 30-year-old man in Singapore has been charged after allegedly creating and sharing an AI-generated image showing a crocodile at Pandan Reservoir, prompting authorities to launch a search operation and suspend water activities.
Ye Lin, a Myanmar national, faces two charges, one for communicating a false message and another for obstructing the course of justice, according to Channel NewsAsia. He told the court through an interpreter that he intends to plead guilty and will not hire a lawyer.
The incident began when Singapore’s national water agency PUB received information about a possible crocodile sighting at Pandan Reservoir. PUB and the National Parks Board then carried out search and capture operations in the area. Water activities at the reservoir were subsequently resumed. Police have warned that people who deliberately circulate false information could face legal action, noting that such reports can cause public concern and lead to unnecessary use of government resources.
Ye Lin is due to return to court on November 10. Channel NewsAsia said PUB later established that the crocodile image was fake and lodged a police report on August 21.
