A teenager from New South Wales has been formally accused following accusations he making multiple false reports to emergency services – a practice called “SWATting” – falsely claiming mass shootings were taking place at large commercial and universities in the US.
International Investigation Leads to Charges
The Australian federal police charged the young male on December 18th. Authorities allege he is a member of a suspected loosely organised internet-based crime network hiding behind anonymous accounts in order to initiate an “rapid and large-scale SWAT team deployment”.
“Frequently male youths ranging in age from 11 to 25, are participating in crime types such as swatting, releasing private info and hacking to gain status, notoriety and prestige in their online groups.”
As part of the probe, authorities seized several digital devices and an illegal weapon discovered in the juvenile’s custody. This operation was conducted under Taskforce Pompilid created in the final quarter of 2025.
Officials Deliver a Clear Message
An acting assistant commissioner, issuing a warning, advised that individuals operating under the illusion they can commit crimes with an internet connection and anonymous accounts should be warned.
Australian police said it began its probe upon receiving information from US federal agents.
A senior FBI official, from the FBI's international wing, remarked that the “dangerous and disruptive crime” of fake emergency calls put lives at risk and consumed vital public safety assets.
“This incident shows that hidden identity on the internet is an false notion,” he said in a shared press release alongside Australian police.
He added, “We are dedicated to partnering with our Australian counterparts, our overseas colleagues, and industry experts to locate and hold accountable people who abuse the internet to inflict damage to society.”
Judicial Proceedings
The youth has been indicted on a dozen charges of misuse of telecom services and a further count of unlawful ownership of a banned gun. He potentially faces up to a decade and a half in a correctional facility.
“The AFP’s commitment (is|remains) to halting the distress and anguish individuals of such networks are causing to the public, while laboring under the illusion they are anonymous,” the assistant commissioner concluded.
The teenager was scheduled to appear in a NSW juvenile court on the following Tuesday.
