Three minors investigated for creating AI-generated nude images of schoolmates
Three minor males in Cartagena, Spain were investigated by police for using AI applications to generate and distribute manipulated nude images of their schoolmates. The investigation began after a parent reported the images and expanded to include seven additional complaints. Similar incidents involving AI-generated nude images of minors have occurred elsewhere in Spain.
What happened
Spain's Policía Nacional charged three minor males in Cartagena, Murcia with creating and distributing manipulated images of schoolmates without clothes using AI applications. The investigation began after one parent reported to police the existence of manipulated photographs of several minors without clothing, including his daughter. Seven additional complaints of similar conduct followed the initial report, leading to the identification of three male minors from the victims' school environment.
Reported impact
The manipulated images were distributed through group chats among boys. The Policía Nacional stated that creating or distributing sexualized images of minors—whether generated or manipulated artificially—constitutes a serious crime with criminal and legal consequences even when committed by minors.
Index analysis
The incident represents the use of generative AI technology to create synthetic child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Similar cases have been documented in Spain: 24 minors were identified in Ourense in October with photos manipulated by AI to create nudes; five people including minors were investigated in Seville in August 2024 for distributing similar images; and approximately 20 minors were victims of AI-generated nude images distributed in Almendralejo a year prior.
Governance controls
The minors were investigated under Spain's Ley Orgánica 5/2000 (Organic Law on Minor Criminal Responsibility), with proceedings conducted through the Fiscalía de Menores de Murcia (Murcia Juvenile Prosecution Office). The Policía Nacional emphasized that such conduct carries criminal penalties and legal consequences regardless of the age of the perpetrators.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.