Lucca police arrest man for using AI to blackmail teenager

Police in Lucca, Italy, have arrested a 21-year-old man from Viareggio for allegedly attempting to groom and blackmail a 14-year-old girl. The suspect reportedly initiated contact with the teenager on Instagram and later used artificial intelligence to manipulate her photos, creating non-consensual nude images to coerce her into an in-person meeting.

After the victim informed her parents, the Lucca police organized a sting operation at Piazzale Verdi. Officers in plain clothes intercepted the man as he sat next to the teenager on a bench. He was arrested and taken to the San Giorgio prison.

The suspect faces charges including attempted sexual violence, grooming a minor, and attempted extortion. Investigators are currently examining his phone and computer to determine if he has targeted other victims using similar AI-generated tactics. A judge will decide on his precautionary measures within 48 hours.