Johor Teen Arrested For Allegedly Selling AI-Generated Lewd Photos Of Schoolmates For RM2
One victim reported that another suspect showed no remorse even after the police made an arrest in the case.
Cover image via The police have arrested a 16-year-old teenager who allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to generate lewd content from schoolmates' photos
In a statement yesterday, 9 April, Johor police chief CP Datuk M Kumar said the suspect was arrested in Kulai, Johor at 5pm on Tuesday, 8 April.
The police have also received a remand order to detain the suspect for four days to assist in investigations.
The case is currently being probed under Section 292 of the Penal Code for the sale, distribution, or circulation of obscene materials, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for sharing offensive and inappropriate content.
The maximum penalties for these offences are imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to RM50,000, respectively.
"[We have also] confiscated one mobile phone believed to have been used for editing and uploading the victims' nude images onto social media with the intent of selling them for RM2 per image.
"Early investigation found that the suspect used AI to edit photos of his victims, which he obtained through social media.
"The police advise the public not to spread the victims' images on social media and to refrain from making any speculation that could interfere with the investigation," Kumar said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said that approximately 30 to 40 individuals, believed to be the suspect's schoolmates and alumni, had their photos manipulated into explicit content using AI
"A majority of them are the school's alumni. However, there are also current students as young as 14 years old.
"It is possible that some victims are still unaware that their images have been maliciously manipulated and distributed," The Star quoted Teo, who is also Kulai member of parliament, as saying.
The suspect is reported to be a student at Foon Yew High School, an independent Chinese school in Kulai.
Earlier, Teo's special assistant Yong Hui Yi had accompanied several victims to lodge police reports.
Image via China Press
Meanwhile, a victim called out another suspect involved in the case on Xiaohongshu, claiming he showed no remorse
According to China Press, the suspect allegedly posted AI-generated photos of the victims even after one arrest had been made, writing in a message, "Our crimes have been made public; are the seniors happy now?"
In response, the victim retorted, "Even while 'dying', the criminal still found time to 'photoshop'.'"
She demanded that the suspect reveal all group members who viewed the manipulated content and provide the transaction records of those who purchased it.
A screenshot showing a suspect showing no remorse after the police made an arrest.
Image via China Press
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual harassment or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
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Contact: +603-30008858
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2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
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Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: telenita@awam.org.my
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3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
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Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: wcc@wccpenang.org
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4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm – 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am – 11.30am), Saturday (2pm – 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: sarswws@gmail.com
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5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
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Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: sawo.women@yahoo.com
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6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
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WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: protect@psthechildren.org.my
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7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
