A 52-year-old Cleveland man has been charged with 43 offences after Queensland police investigated the alleged creation and distribution of AI-generated intimate images targeting women across South East Queensland. Police said the activity had occurred since February 2021 and that eight alleged victims have been identified.

The posters allegedly used the women’s faces on images depicting explicit sexual acts and included their names, social media accounts and employment details. They were reportedly displayed in several locations, including a public venue in Gatton, where one was discovered on May 26.

Ipswich Criminal Investigation Branch detectives searched a Cleveland property on July 22 and seized electronic devices, printers and pre-prepared posters. Police also allegedly found an electronic control weapon, three long firearms and 25 rounds of ammunition.

The man faces charges including 27 counts of distributing intimate images, six counts of unlawful stalking, firearm-related offences and offences involving the use of postal and carriage services to menace, harass or cause offence. He remains in custody and is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 19. Police said the investigation is continuing and urged people not to share abusive material, but to report it instead.