Man arrested for AI-generated deepfake pornography and extortion in Indonesia
Indonesian police arrested a man for using AI technology to manipulate photographs of a woman into pornographic images, uploading them to a fake Instagram account, and then extorting money from the victim under the guise of removing the content. The suspect was charged with pornography offences under Indonesia's Criminal Code.
What happened
A man identified as TH downloaded five photographs of a victim from a private Instagram account. Using an AI-based application, he manipulated the photos to create images depicting the victim without clothing.
TH created a fake Instagram account and uploaded the manipulated images, tagging the victim's account so others could see the content. He then offered to remove the fake account in exchange for money from the victim, a form of extortion.
Reported impact
The manipulation and public sharing of the images caused damage to the victim's honour, privacy, and social standing online.
Index analysis
Police noted that this modus operandi—creating a problem then offering a solution for payment—represents a pattern of cybercrime that warrants public awareness. The case demonstrates how AI technology can be weaponised to harass and exploit individuals.
Governance controls
The suspect was charged under Article 407(1) of Indonesia's 2023 Criminal Code regarding pornography offences, with a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and/or a category VI fine. Police seized one mobile phone, two SIM cards, and screenshots of the manipulated Instagram content.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.