The national water agency said it was alerted to a crocodile sighting in Pandan Reservoir on 20 August. Agency officials and national parks staff conducted search and capture operations in the area. The Singapore Rowing Association and Singapore Canoe Federation were told the suspend their activities.
But the following day, the water agency confirmed that the crocodile image was fake and reported it to the police.
The case will return to court in November and Ye Lin could face a prison sentence and a large fine if he is found guilty.
In Singapore, sending a false message is punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to S$10,000 (about US$7,800; £5,900), or both. Obstructing justice carries up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.
Police allege that Ye Lin created the photo of the crocodile using artificial intelligence before sending it to a colleague.
“The man subsequently deleted the image and the related application in an attempt to conceal his actions,” the police statement said.
It is not clear how the national water agency was notified of the false photo that Ye Lin sent to his colleague.
