Man used AI to make false statements to shut down London nightclub, police say
A businessman pleaded guilty to using AI to generate false objections to shut down a London nightclub.Summary
Aldo d’Aponte, 47, has pleaded guilty to making false statements, believed to be generated by AI, in an attempt to shut down London's Heaven nightclub. The nightclub's license was temporarily suspended in November 2024 following a rape allegation against a security guard, but was allowed to reopen with enhanced policies after a council hearing. During this hearing, council officials received detailed complaint letters sent via encrypted email, which were later identified by AI detection software as likely AI-generated. Investigations revealed the supposed complainants did not exist at the listed addresses. Police traced the IP addresses of two letters to d’Aponte, the CEO of Arbitrage Group Properties. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs. The use of AI was not mentioned in court, and the prosecution did not rely on it. D’Aponte also made his own objections to the club's reopening, citing noise and disturbance to his family life. His lawyer described the act as "foolish and desperate." This case highlights a growing concern for police regarding the use of AI to create non-existent complainants.
(Source：the Guardian)