A New South Wales juvenile has been charged following an Australian Federal Police investigation into a series of alleged hoax emergency calls targeting major retail and education institutions in the United States.
The investigation was led by Australian Federal Police Taskforce Pompilid, which was established in October 2025 to disrupt decentralised online crime networks that exploit perceived online anonymity to commit offences.
Police began inquiries after receiving intelligence from the Federal Bureau of Investigation about an Australian-based suspect believed to be linked to multiple “swatting” incidents in the US. Swatting involves making false reports to emergency services to provoke a large-scale police or emergency response and is considered a serious criminal offence.
The AFP alleges the boy made numerous hoax calls to US emergency services, falsely claiming mass shootings were underway at prominent retail outlets and educational facilities, triggering widespread alarm.
A search warrant was executed at a NSW property on 18 December 2025, during which officers seized several electronic devices and a prohibited firearm.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Graeme Marshall said the case highlighted the global reach and real-world harm caused by online crime networks. He said Taskforce Pompilid was focused on dismantling groups whose members, often young males, engage in swatting, doxxing and hacking to gain status and recognition online.
In this case, he said, the alleged actions of a young person from regional NSW caused significant disruption and fear for thousands of people and services in the United States, with substantial financial and operational consequences.
The FBI’s International Operations Division Assistant Director Jason A. Kaplan described swatting as a dangerous crime that endangers lives and drains critical emergency resources, saying the case demonstrated that online anonymity was an illusion and offenders could be identified and held to account through international cooperation.
US Embassy Canberra Chargé d’Affaires Erika Olson also praised the close partnership between Australian and US authorities, saying it had helped prevent further harm to US citizens.
The AFP said it recognised the challenges parents and carers face in managing children’s online activity and encouraged open conversations, appropriate supervision and seeking support where concerns arise. Families were directed to eSafety for further advice and resources.
Police said they would continue working with domestic and international partners to disrupt online harm networks and protect the community, stressing that early reporting and shared responsibility were key to preventing further harm.
The juvenile has been charged with 12 counts of using a telecommunications network with intent to commit a serious offence by conveying false information about danger, offences that carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, as well as one count of unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment. He is due to make his first appearance in the NSW Children’s Court today, 13 January 2026.
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