A man has been arrested for allegedly producing and distributing AI-generated images of real women “performing sexually explicit acts”.
In May, Queensland Police were informed of a series of sexually explicit posters which appeared to feature real women were “displayed at multiple locations”, including a public venue in the town of Gatton in southeast Queensland.
The 53-year-old Cleveland man will face more than 40 charges. Picture: QPS
Police said the posters allegedly “featured victims’ faces superimposed onto bodies of women depicted performing sexual acts”.
“The victims’ full names, social media usernames and employment details were also allegedly included alongside false claims identifying them as sex workers,” police said.
Police say there are eight alleged victims who have currently been identified.
A 52-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday at a home in Cleveland by officers from the Ipswich Criminal Investigation Branch.
While searching the home, police say they seized electronic devices, printers and “pre-prepared AI-generated posters”.
A number of firearms were allegedly seized from the property. Picture: QPS
They also allegedly found “an electric control weapon, three long firearms and 25 rounds of ammunition”.
Ipswich Detective Acting Inspector Tim Martin said the alleged victims had been “subjected to deeply distressing and highly personal attacks”.
“Artificial intelligence is an emerging technology but using it to create and distribute abusive or degrading material is not beyond the reach of police,” ,” Detective Martin said
“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.
“No one should have to experience this type of offending.”
Detective Martin said the posters had been planted at locations “stretching from Hervey Bay out to Western Queensland” and the majority of them had been found plastered on the walls of public toilet blocks.
Queensland police have arrested a man who allegedly produced AI-generated sexual deep fake posters of real women. Picture: QPS
The women who were allegedly targeted are all from southeast Queensland, and aged between 40 and 60 years old.
Detective Martin said police haven’t ruled out the potential of there being more victims, and there could still be more posters out there.
“Police were made aware of the initial offending from 2021… given the complexities and the nature of the offending, we undertook quite a significant investigation.”
The man has been charged with 43 separate offences including 27 counts of distributing intimate images, six counts of stalking, four counts of firearm possession, four counts of using a postal service to harass, one count for each victim of using a carriage service to menace or harass and possession of an unauthorised explosive.
The man was refused bail and will appear at a Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 19.
