Johor teen arrested for creating and selling AI-edited obscene images of classmates
A 16-year-old student in Johor, Malaysia was arrested in April 2025 for using AI image-editing tools to create and sell non-consensual intimate images of female schoolmates and alumni, obtained from their social media accounts. Police received 22 reports from victims and expelled the teen from school.
What happened
A 16-year-old male student in Johor used artificial intelligence to edit and create obscene images of his female schoolmates and school alumni. The suspect obtained photos of his victims through social media and sold the edited images for RM2 each.
Police arrested the suspect around 5pm on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Kulai. As of April 12, a total of 22 police reports had been lodged by victims against him.
Reported impact
The school's board of directors expelled the teenager from school in accordance with its rules. The suspect was accused of creating and distributing sexually explicit images of his schoolmates without consent.
Index analysis
The suspect used AI-based image editing tools to create non-consensual intimate imagery, commonly known as deepfake pornography. The images were created using photos obtained from the victims' social media accounts.
Governance controls
Police extended the suspect's remand until Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to assist with the ongoing investigation. Police were investigating how many images the suspect had sold and whether other individuals were involved in the case.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.