Police charge man over five-year spree targeting women…

In July 2026, Queensland police arrested a 52-year-old Cleveland man following a five-year investigation into the distribution of AI-generated posters targeting multiple women across south-east Queensland. The accused faces 43 charges, including 27 counts of distributing intimate images and six counts of unlawful stalking.

What happened

The investigation began after police were notified of posters displayed at various locations, including a public venue in Gatton in May 2026. Authorities identified eight victims between the ages of 40 and 60, residing in suburbs including Newstead, Jindalee, Murarrie, Ellen Grove, Carindale, Thagoonah, Urraween, and Brookfield. The posters featured the victims' faces superimposed onto the bodies of women performing explicit sexual acts. Each poster included the victim's full name, employment details, and social media usernames, alongside false claims identifying them as sex workers.

Police executed a search warrant at a Cleveland address, where they seized electronic devices, printers, and pre-prepared AI-generated posters. During the search, officers also located an electronic control weapon, three long firearms, and 25 rounds of ammunition. Detective Acting Inspector Tim Martin described the actions as a deliberate attempt to publicly humiliate and degrade the victims. Many of the posters were discovered in public toilet blocks across regions ranging from Hervey Bay to western Queensland, with evidence suggesting the accused personally placed the material in these locations. Some victims were alerted to the existence of the posters by members of the community. The accused has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 19.