A youth from NSW has been charged following accusations he making multiple hoax reports to emergency services – a practice called “swatting calls” – falsely claiming active shooter situations were happening at prominent shopping and educational institutions across the America.
Cross-Border Inquiry Culminates in Legal Action
The Australian federal police formally accused the young male on the 18th of December. Officials state he is part of a suspected distributed digital network of offenders hiding behind anonymous accounts in order to trigger an “immediate and major emergency response”.
“Frequently teenage boys between the ages of 11 to 25, are involved in offenses such as swatting, doxing and cyber attacks to achieve status, notoriety and prestige in their online groups.”
During the probe, officers took possession of multiple computers and phones and a banned gun discovered in the juvenile’s custody. This operation was executed by a specialized task force created in the final quarter of 2025.
Officials Provide a Stark Warning
Graeme Marshall, speaking generally, cautioned that those operating under the illusion they can carry out offenses using technology and hidden personas are being targeted.
Federal authorities stated it began its probe upon receiving intelligence from American law enforcement.
Jason Kaplan, from the International Operations Division, remarked that the “dangerous and disturbing crime” of fake emergency calls threatened public safety and consumed vital public safety assets.
“This case proves that secrecy on the internet is an myth,” he said in a joint statement alongside Australian police.
He added, “We are dedicated to working with the AFP, our global allies, and tech companies to find and hold accountable people who misuse technology to inflict damage to society.”
Legal Proceedings
The accused was charged with 12 counts of communications-related crimes and one count of illegal possession of a banned gun. The accused may be sentenced to up to a decade and a half in jail.
“The AFP’s commitment (is|remains) to preventing the damage and anguish individuals of such networks are causing to society, while laboring under the illusion they are hidden,” Marshall concluded.
The teenager was set to appear in a NSW juvenile court on this week.
