Police face criticism over handling of school deepfake scandal involving minors

Law firm Ng Kian Nam & Partners criticised the police for not adhering to standard identification-parade rules, which should keep suspects from viewing victim identities, especially when the victims are minors. The firm expressed anxiety that the Form 5 student suspected of producing roughly 200 deepfake images could attend classes alongside the victims, creating further safety risks. Police questioned the victims, their parents, witnesses, the principal and a senior assistant for student affairs at the Seremban headquarters, and later allowed the victims to keep their phones after objections.

Negeri Sembilan police chief Alzafny Ahmad said five reports involving youths aged 14-17 were received between Aug 20-23, and the student has been suspended from Aug 24-28. The investigation proceeds under Section 5 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and Section 292 of the Penal Code, both carrying significant penalties.