A CLEVELAND man has been charged with 43 offences following an extensive police investigation into allegedly AI-generated explicit posters targeting women across south-east Queensland.
Police allege the posters featured victims’ faces superimposed onto the bodies of women performing explicit sexual acts.
The women’s full names, social media usernames and employment details were also allegedly published alongside false claims identifying them as sex workers.
The investigation began after police became aware of posters allegedly displayed at multiple locations, including one found at a public venue in Gatton on May 26.
Officers from Ipswich Criminal Investigation Branch executed a search warrant at a Cleveland address on July 22, allegedly seizing electronic devices, printers and pre-prepared AI-generated posters.
Detectives also allegedly found an electronic control weapon, three long firearms and 25 rounds of ammunition.
A 52-year-old Cleveland man has been charged with 27 counts of distributing intimate images, six counts of unlawful stalking, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and four counts of using a postal service to menace, harass or cause offence.
He was also charged with one count each of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence and possessing explosives without authority.
The man has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 19.
Police said eight alleged victims had been identified so far, with investigations continuing.
Ipswich Detective Acting Inspector Tim Martin said the case highlighted the significant harm caused when technology was used to target and humiliate 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,” he said.
“No one should have to experience this type of offending.
“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.”
Detective Acting Inspector Martin urged people who encountered such material not to share it.
“Instead, report it to police so we can investigate and prevent further harm to the community,” he said.
Anyone with information can contact Policelink online or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000, quoting reference numbers QP2601048038 or QP2601420046.
