An adolescent from NSW has been charged after allegedly placing numerous prank calls to 911 operators – a practice known as “swatting” – wrongly stating active shooter situations were taking place at large commercial and schools across the US.
Cross-Border Investigation Results in Legal Action
AFP officers laid charges against the young male on December 18th. Authorities allege he is a member of an alleged distributed digital criminal group operating from behind anonymous accounts in order to trigger an “rapid and major police response”.
“Commonly teenage boys ranging in age from 11 to 25, are involved in offenses like swatting, doxxing and hacking to gain status, infamy and acknowledgement in their digital communities.”
In connection with the case, police took possession of several digital devices and an illegal weapon located in the teen’s custody. This action was executed by a specialized task force formed in late 2025.
Officials Provide a Strong Caution
A senior AFP official, speaking generally, cautioned that those thinking they can carry out offenses with an internet connection and anonymous accounts were on notice.
Federal authorities confirmed it launched its probe following information from the FBI.
An FBI assistant director, from the International Operations Division, stated that the “dangerous and disruptive offense” of hoax 911 calls endangered lives and wasted vital first responder resources.
“This investigation proves that anonymity online is an false notion,” he commented in a combined announcement with the AFP.
He continued, “We are committed to collaborating with international partners, our global allies, and tech companies to locate and hold accountable people who misuse the internet to cause harm to the public.”
Court Next Steps
The teenager faces multiple counts of misuse of telecom services and a further count of unlawful ownership of a banned gun. He potentially faces up to fourteen years in prison.
“The AFP’s commitment (is|remains) to halting the damage and suffering members of such networks are imposing on society, while laboring under the illusion they are anonymous,” the assistant commissioner concluded.
The teenager was set to face a NSW children’s court on this week.
