Walnut Creek resident Faiz Munshi, a 40-year-old employee of a Bay Area artificial intelligence company, has been charged with three felonies, including contacting a minor for a sexual offense and two counts of attempted lewd act on a minor. The charges were filed after Munshi engaged in inappropriate chats with an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl.
According to court documents, the undercover officer created a dating profile on Whisper using the name and likeness of a teenage girl. Munshi reached out and messaged the profile, expressing his hope that the person was not under 18. However, when informed that they were indeed a 13-year-old girl, Munshi allegedly responded with, “Hmm young but if you swear to secrecy then it’s fine.” Subsequently, discussions regarding engaging in sexual activities were said to have taken place.
Munshi was apprehended on October 26, 2023, in San Ramon, where he had arranged to meet the supposed minor. Following his arrest, Munshi claimed that he believed the “girl” was actually a malfunctioning bot and that he intended to investigate the situation further.
Prosecutors have since charged Munshi with three felony counts related to the alleged offenses. He has been released on bail and is currently awaiting further legal proceedings.
