Student used AI to create indecent images of classmates, alumni, then sold them online (Updated)

A MALE student from a Chinese school in Kulai, Johor allegedly stole photographs of his female classmates, used AI technology to create pornographic photographs and videos, before selling them online.

According to reports in the Chinese media, there were at least 30 - 40 victims and some have not noticed that their photographs had been tampered with.

According to deputy communications minister, Teo Nie Ching, who is also the MP for Kulai, she learnt that the suspect had been detained, and police had since applied for a remand order.

"We believe some of the victims are school alumni, while current students are as young as 14-years-old.

"The incident is a serious violation of personal privacy and dignity and could also cause psychological trauma to the victims," she said.

She said her special assistant Yong Hui Yi had since accompanied seven victims to lodge police reports.

"We learnt that there were multiple groups on social media platforms spreading these photographs using Deepfake technology.

"Any victim who needs assistance can contact my office immediately," she said.

Teo said she had since handed over all the information to the police and MCMC for further action.

Meanwhile, the school concerned released a statement confirming it had recently received reports of anonymous individuals spreading the edited indecent images.

"The victims have lodged a police report. Upon receiving the complaint, the school immediately launched an internal investigation and is fully cooperating with the police,” it said.

The school also called on parents to work closely with them, pay more attention to their children’s behaviour on social media, and provide timely care and guidance, encouraging them to use online resources responsibly.

Suspect nabbed and remanded

Meanwhile, in a latest update, Johor Police Chief, Datuk M Kumar said the 16-year-old suspect, who is still in school, was arrested by a team from the Commercial Crime Investigation Division, Kulai District Police Headquarters (IPD), around Kulai yesterday.

He said that his team received a report from an 18-year-old girl on April 3, who alleged that edited pornographic images using her face were circulating on social media.

"The victims found that the obscene images were also being sold online."

When the arrest was made, the police also seized a mobile phone believed to be used for editing and uploading the victims' photos to social media for sale.

"Preliminary investigations found that the suspect obtained the victim's photos from social media accounts before editing them using an AI application.

"Each photo is believed to be sold for RM2," he said in a statement today.

He said the teenage suspect is now remanded for four days starting today to assist  investigations under Section 292 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Kumar said that his team also received eight other reports involving the same case and suspect.

Affected victims are advised to come forward and file a police report at the nearest station.

Any information related to the case can be directed to the Investigating Officer, Inspector Nurul Huda Shohodin at 013-5382698," he said. – April 9, 2025