Sex offender jailed for AI image abuse near Enfield playground

Zafer Dogan, a 32-year-old from Enfield, has been jailed for two years and four months after admitting to taking more than 5,000 pictures of children and using artificial intelligence software to alter them. Dogan, who worked as a mechanic, pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including making indecent images of children.

The court heard that Dogan had photographed children, many from his bedroom window, and then used AI technology to manipulate the images for his own sexual gratification. The use of such software to 'nudify' images of children was highlighted by prosecutors.

Criticism of bail decisions

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley spoke outside Wood Green Crown Court following Dogan's sentencing, criticising the justice system's bail decisions. He stated that prosecutors had repeatedly opposed bail, based on clear assessments of the risk Dogan posed. However, bail was granted, which Sir Mark described as 'unfathomable decisions' that prioritised the offender's interests over the safety and peace of mind of the victims.

Sir Mark detailed how one victim and their family were forced to move from their home due to Dogan's proximity after he was granted bail. The family felt compelled to relocate to temporary accommodation elsewhere, disrupting their lives and their children's education, simply to avoid living near the offender. The mother of a victim under the age of eight described feeling 'helpless', stating, 'Our lives will never be the same again'.

Call for AI company responsibility

The Commissioner also directed criticism towards 'some grossly irresponsible technology and AI companies'. He emphasised that Dogan had voyeuristically photographed children known to him before using AI photo-editing technology. Sir Mark called for greater responsibility from these companies, stating that innovation should not come at the expense of public safety and that industry has a clear duty to prevent their tools from being exploited by predators.

He concluded that victims, in this case extremely young children and their families, deserve better treatment from both the technology sector and the criminal justice system.