A teenager from New South Wales has been charged with multiple offences following an international investigation into a series of hoax emergency calls falsely reporting mass shootings across the United States.
International Probe into 'Swatting' Network
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed they launched an investigation after receiving intelligence from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States. The probe targeted an alleged decentralised online crime network whose members, hiding behind keyboards, aimed to trigger large-scale emergency responses.
The 18-year-old boy was charged on 18 December with 12 counts of telecommunications offences and one count of unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm. Officers from Taskforce Pompilid, established in October 2025, seized several electronic devices and the firearm during the operation.
'Anonymity Online is an Illusion'
In a joint statement, the AFP and FBI issued a stark warning to those who believe they can commit crimes anonymously online. AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Graeme Marshall stated that young males, often aged between 11 and 25, engage in crimes like swatting, doxxing, and hacking to gain status within their online groups.
"The AFP's commitment is to stopping the harm and pain members of this online crime network are inflicting on society, under the mistaken belief they are anonymous," Marshall said.
Jason Kaplan, Assistant Director of the FBI's International Operations Division, emphasised the severe consequences of these actions. "This dangerous and disruptive crime endangers lives and drains critical emergency resources," he stated. "This case demonstrates that anonymity online is an illusion."
Severe Legal Consequences
The alleged hoax reports targeted major retail and educational institutions in the US, a malicious practice known as "swatting." The teenager now faces a potential maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison if convicted.
The boy was scheduled to appear before a NSW Children’s Court. The AFP and FBI reiterated their commitment to working with international and private sector partners to identify and hold accountable those who exploit technology to cause harm.
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the serious real-world repercussions of online criminal activity and the extensive reach of international law enforcement cooperation.
