Two men identified for creating and distributing AI-generated fake nude images of 22 women in Pontevedra
Spanish authorities identified two men who created and distributed AI-generated nude images of 22 women in Pontevedra province. The men used AI image generation applications to create fake explicit images from photographs stolen from the women's social media profiles, and the case has been referred to court.
What happened
The Guardia Civil identified two men who created and distributed AI-generated images depicting 22 women from Pontevedra province as nude or engaging in explicit sexual content. The investigation began in June 2026 following complaints filed in Silleda by some of the affected women.
The creators used AI applications to generate realistic-appearing images by processing photographs obtained from the women's social media profiles. A 35-year-old resident of Silleda was identified as the creator of the manipulated material, and a 29-year-old was implicated for distributing the content.
Reported impact
The affected women reported that their faces were used to generate images depicting them nude or in sexually explicit scenes without authorization. The creation and distribution of such manipulated intimate images constitutes a serious violation of the rights of the affected persons.
Governance controls
The Guardia Civil recommended that persons who detect such content preserve available evidence including screenshots, links, and profiles from which the content is distributed, and report the facts to authorities promptly. Authorities advised reviewing social media privacy settings periodically and limiting public exposure of personal images to reduce risks.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.