S'pore man, 30, allegedly used AI to create image of crocodile at Pandan Reservoir, to be charged

The police will be charging a 30-year-old man in court on Sep. 29, 2026 for his involvement in communicating false message and obstructing the course of justice.

According to a police news release, preliminary investigations revealed that the man had created an AI-generated image depicting a crocodile at Pandan Reservoir and sent it to his colleague.

The man subsequently deleted the image and the related application in an attempt to conceal his actions.

Public advised to exercise caution

On Aug. 20, 2026, national water agency PUB was notified that a crocodile had been sighted at Pandan Reservoir.

Members of the public were advised to exercise caution in the area while water activities at the reservoir were suspended, the police said.

PUB and the National Parks Board (NParks) also deployed resources to conduct search and capture operations in the area.

Subsequently, PUB discovered that the photograph provided in relation to the reported sighting was fake and the matter was referred to the police on Aug. 21.

Offence

The man will be charged with the offence of communicating false message under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906 and obstructing the course of justice.

The offence of communicating false message carries a jail term of up to three years, a fine up to S$10,000, or both.

The offence of obstructing the course of justice carries a jail term of up to seven years, a fine, or both.

Police advisory

The police said they will not hesitate to take action against anyone who communicates falsehoods.

Apart from causing fear and inconvenience caused to members of the public, such falsehoods also result in public resources being unnecessarily deployed to deal with these incidents, the police said.

The police also urged the public to act responsibly and refrain from circulating false information or edited images that could cause unnecessary public alarm.

"The public should also not submit fabricated or manipulated information, including AI-generated or digitally altered images, to the police or other government agencies while presenting such information as authentic."