A 30-year-old Myanmar national has been charged in Singapore after allegedly creating an AI-generated image showing a crocodile at Pandan Reservoir, triggering a real search for a reptile that did not exist. The image was sent to a colleague on August 20, after which Singapore’s national water agency PUB was alerted to the supposed sighting. PUB and the National Parks Board (NParks) launched search-and-capture operations, while water activities at the reservoir were suspended for two days. PUB later established that the photograph was fake and lodged a police report. The man, identified as Ye Lin, faces charges of communicating a false message and obstructing the course of justice. He has said he intends to plead guilty.
AI crocodile image triggers reservoir search
The incident began at about 3pm on August 20, when PUB received information that a crocodile had allegedly been spotted at Pandan Reservoir, accompanied by a photograph. Authorities treated the report as a potential public-safety concern and informed NParks. The agencies subsequently carried out search-and-capture operations around the reservoir. Warning signs were also placed in the area, advising members of the public to exercise caution.Water activities were suspended during the search. The Singapore Rowing Association and Singapore Canoe Federation were among those affected, with activities halted for two days. The search was eventually stopped after PUB established that the photograph was fake, and activities resumed on August 22.
AI detection tools could not confirm the image was fake
PUB later explained that it had used several AI-detection tools to examine the photograph. However, the tools produced inconclusive results, meaning they could not definitively establish whether the image had been generated or manipulated using AI.With the authenticity of the image uncertain, authorities opted to take precautionary measures rather than assume the reported crocodile was fictional. The incident demonstrates the practical challenge posed by increasingly realistic AI-generated images, particularly when they involve potential threats to public safety.
Man allegedly created and shared the image
Police investigations identified Ye Lin, 30, a Myanmar national, as the person who allegedly created the AI-generated crocodile image. According to police, Ye sent the image to a colleague, rather than publicly posting it online.Police also allege that Ye later deleted the AI-generated images and the log history from the Gemini AI application on his mobile phone. Investigators said this amounted to an attempt to conceal his actions and led to the separate allegation of obstructing the course of justice.PUB subsequently said Ye was employed by its reservoir-maintenance contractor. His supervisor was the person who alerted PUB to the image on August 20.
Man faces two criminal charges
Ye was charged on September 29 with communicating a false message under Section 14D of Singapore’s Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906 and obstructing the course of justice under Section 204A of the Penal Code 1871.The false-message offence carries a maximum punishment of three years in prison, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both. The obstruction-of-justice offence carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a fine, or both.The maximum prison terms for the two offences add up to 10 years. However, this does not mean Ye will automatically receive a 10-year sentence if convicted. The eventual punishment will depend on the court.
Ye intends to plead guilty
Ye appeared before Singapore’s State Courts on September 29 and, through an interpreter, said he intended to plead guilty. He also indicated that he would not engage a lawyer.His case is scheduled to return to court on November 10. As of October 5, no final sentence had been handed down.
Police warn against AI-generated false information
Singapore Police have warned members of the public against circulating false information or manipulated images that could cause unnecessary alarm. Police specifically cautioned against submitting fabricated or manipulated material, including AI-generated or digitally altered images, to government agencies while presenting it as genuine.