A man has been charged with dozens of offences after he allegedly created explicit AI images of women across the south east and plastered them on public posters.
Investigations started in May this year after police became aware of a number of posters that had been displayed at multiple locations, including one at a public venue in Gatton.
The posters allegedly featured victims’ faces superimposed onto the bodies of women depicted performing explicit sexual acts. The victims’ full names, social media accounts and employment details were also allegedly included alongside false claims identifying them as sex workers.
On Wednesday, detectives raided a home in Cleveland address and seized a number of electronic devices, printers and pre-prepared AI-generated posters.
Detectives also allegedly located and seized an electronic control weapon, three long firearms and 25 rounds of ammunition.
A 52-year-old Cleveland man has been charged with 43 offences including 27 counts of distributing intimate images, six counts of unlawful stalking, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, four counts of using a postal service to menace, harass or cause offence and one count each of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence and authority required to possess explosives.
He has been remanded in custody to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 19 August.
To date, detectives have identified 8 alleged victims stretching back to 2021.
Ipswich Detective Acting Inspector Tim Martin said this investigation highlights the significant harm that can be caused when technology is used to target and humiliate innocent people.
“The victims in this matter were subjected to deeply distressing and highly personal attacks through the creation and public display of AI-generated intimate images. No one should have to experience this type of offending,” Detective Acting Inspector Martin said.
“Artificial intelligence is an emerging technology but using it to create and distribute abusive or degrading material is not beyond the reach of police. We will investigate these matters thoroughly and hold offenders to account.
“If you become aware of this type of material, we encourage you not to share it. Instead report it to police so we can investigate and prevent further harm to the community.”
Anyone with information is being urged to come forward and police continue to investigate.
WATCH THE ARREST BELOW:
