A youth from the state of NSW has been formally accused for purportedly placing numerous false reports to emergency services – a tactic called “swatting calls” – wrongly stating gun violence incidents were occurring at prominent shopping and schools throughout the America.
Australian authorities laid charges against the young male on 18 December. Authorities allege he belongs to a suspected distributed digital criminal group hiding behind anonymous accounts in order to initiate an “urgent and significant emergency response”.
“Frequently male youths between the ages of 11 to 25, are involved in offenses such as swatting, doxing and computer intrusion to gain status, notoriety and prestige in their digital communities.”
As part of the probe, police took possession of several electronic devices and a prohibited firearm found in the juvenile’s home. This operation was part of Taskforce Pompilid established in the final quarter of 2025.
A senior AFP official, commenting broadly, cautioned that those thinking they can commit crimes using technology and hidden personas were on notice.
Australian police said it began its inquiry upon receiving tip-offs from US federal agents.
Jason Kaplan, from the global operations unit, said that the “hazardous and disturbing offense” of hoax 911 calls threatened public safety and consumed critical emergency resources.
“This incident demonstrates that hidden identity online is an myth,” he stated in a shared press release with the AFP.
He added, “Our commitment is to partnering with international partners, our international partners, and industry experts to locate and prosecute individuals that exploit digital tools to cause harm to the public.”
The teenager faces 12 counts of telecommunications offences and one count of unlawful ownership of a banned gun. The individual potentially faces up to 14 years in prison.
“Our pledge (is|remains) to preventing the distress and anguish members of this online crime network are imposing on the community, while laboring under the illusion they are hidden,” the assistant commissioner concluded.
The youth was due to be presented before a New South Wales children’s court on this week.
