A man in Singapore has been charged over an AI-generated image that appeared to show a saltwater crocodile in Pandan Reservoir, prompting public concern and a search operation. The case matters because the reported sighting disrupted activities at the city-state’s largest reservoir before officials established that the image was fake.

Police allege that Ye Lin created the image with an AI application and sent it to a colleague, then deleted both the picture and the application in an attempt to conceal what he had done. The water agency was alerted on 20 August and suspended work at the reservoir for two days; rowing and canoeing groups were also told to stop activities. Lin has indicated through an interpreter that he intends to plead guilty, and the case is due back in court in November. Sending a false message can carry up to three years in prison and a S$10,000 fine, while obstructing justice can carry up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.