PUB AI image incident — Aug 2026
A 30-year-old man was charged after using Gemini AI to create and share a fake image of a crocodile at Pandan Reservoir causing a public safety response
- Incident date
- Aug 20, 2026
- Source report date
- Sep 29, 2026
- Target
- PUB (national water agency)
On August 20, 2026, a 30-year-old Myanmar national named Ye Lin triggered a significant public safety response by circulating a fabricated image of a crocodile at Pandan Reservoir. The incident led the national water agency, PUB, to suspend water activities and deploy search and capture resources alongside the National Parks Board.
What happened
Ye Lin utilized Gemini AI to generate a doctored image depicting a crocodile at the reservoir, which he then sent to a colleague via message at approximately 3:00 PM on August 20. Following the report of the sighting, PUB advised the public to exercise caution while conducting search operations. The agency eventually determined the photograph was fake and referred the matter to the police on August 21.
Investigations revealed that Ye Lin attempted to cover his tracks by deleting the images and the Gemini AI application history logs from his mobile phone. He was subsequently charged in court on September 29 with communicating a false message under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906 and obstructing the course of justice. He was released on S$5,000 bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for November 10, 2026. If convicted, he faces potential jail terms of up to three years for the false message charge and up to seven years for obstructing the course of justice.