The growing misuse of AI for criminal purposes is highlighted in a case where a 27-year-old man was sentenced to 18 years for creating and selling child sexual abuse images. Hugh Nelson, from Bolton, England, pleaded guilty to 16 charges related to child sexual abuse offenses, including encouraging the rape of children via the internet.
The investigation, led by Greater Manchester Police, revealed that Nelson frequented encrypted chatrooms where he exchanged, sold, and discussed child sexual abuse material. He accepted requests to create explicit images depicting children being harmed, using AI technology to manipulate photographs of real children. Nelson admitted to making approximately £5,000 over 18 months from selling these disturbing images.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges against Nelson after his arrest in June 2023. Digital devices seized from his home contained evidence of his activities, including the AI tools and computer programs used to generate the abusive images. Further examination of his devices led to additional charges in February 2024, revealing that Nelson had encouraged the rape of children under 13 on three separate occasions.
Jeanette Smith, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, stated, “It is extremely disturbing that Hugh Nelson was able to take normal photographs of children and, using AI tools and a computer program, transform them and create images of the most depraved nature to sell and share online.”
Emerging Technology, Evolving Crimes
This case highlights the growing misuse of AI technology to create child sexual abuse material. The CPS emphasized that the law applies equally to real and AI-generated images of children, and that those who exploit this technology will be prosecuted.
“The misuse of emerging technology to create this material is a serious crime which can have a real impact on victims,” Smith added. “Real children are being victimized through the creation of this content.”
The CPS’s dedicated Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, working closely with Greater Manchester Police’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, played a crucial role in building a strong case against Nelson. This collaborative effort ensured that he was brought to justice for his crimes.
DCI Jen Tattersall, Head of the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, stated, “This case is a real testament to how we and criminal justice partners, such as the CPS, can evolve and adapt as offenders do, to ensure we are still able to seek justice for victims, despite new trends and ways of offending.”
A Warning and a Call for Vigilance
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) also condemned Nelson’s actions, highlighting the disturbing trend of AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Derek Ray-Hill, Interim CEO at the IWF, emphasized the harm caused by these crimes and the need for continued vigilance in combating the misuse of technology.
This case serves as a stark warning about the potential for AI to be exploited for criminal purposes. It underscores the need for law enforcement agencies, technology companies, and the public to work together to prevent the misuse of AI and protect children from online harm.
