An adolescent from New South Wales has been charged after allegedly placing numerous hoax reports to first responders – a tactic referred to as “swatting” – wrongly stating active shooter situations were taking place at major retail and educational institutions in the United States.
Australian authorities formally accused the teenager on the 18th of December. Authorities allege he is a member of a purported loosely organised internet-based crime network hiding behind computer screens in order to initiate an “urgent and significant SWAT team deployment”.
“Frequently male youths between the ages of 11 to 25, are participating in activities such as swatting, doxing and hacking to earn credibility, infamy and prestige in their internet circles.”
During the probe, police took possession of several computers and phones and a prohibited firearm located in the teen’s possession. This action was conducted under a specialized task force formed in late 2025.
A senior AFP official, commenting broadly, warned that those believing they can commit crimes from behind a computer and anonymous accounts were on notice.
Australian police confirmed it launched its inquiry upon receiving tip-offs from the FBI.
A senior FBI official, from the global operations unit, stated that the “risky and disturbing crime” of fake emergency calls put lives at risk and drained critical first responder resources.
“This incident proves that secrecy on the internet is an illusion,” he stated in a joint statement with authorities.
He further stated, “Our commitment is to partnering with the AFP, our overseas colleagues, and tech companies to find and bring to justice those who abuse digital tools to cause harm to communities.”
The youth faces 12 counts of communications-related crimes and an additional charge of unauthorised possession of an illegal weapon. The individual potentially faces up to a decade and a half in a correctional facility.
“The police's duty (is|remains) to halting the harm and anguish members of such networks are inflicting on the community, operating under the false idea they are hidden,” Marshall concluded.
The teenager was set to face a New South Wales juvenile court on Tuesday.
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