A youth from NSW has been indicted after allegedly making multiple false reports to emergency services – an act called “SWATting” – falsely claiming active shooter situations were occurring at large commercial and schools in the United States.
AFP officers charged the young male on 18 December. Officials state he is part of an alleged loosely organised internet-based network of offenders hiding behind keyboards in order to initiate an “immediate and major emergency response”.
“Frequently young males between the ages of 11 to 25, are involved in activities including swatting, doxxing and cyber attacks to earn credibility, a reputation and acknowledgement in their internet circles.”
During the case, authorities confiscated multiple digital devices and a banned gun discovered in the teen’s home. This seizure was part of a specialized task force formed in October 2025.
A senior AFP official, speaking generally, cautioned that people operating under the illusion they can carry out offenses with an internet connection and anonymous accounts should be warned.
Australian police stated it initiated its investigation after getting information from the FBI.
Jason Kaplan, from the FBI's international wing, stated that the “hazardous and resource-draining act” of fake emergency calls endangered lives and drained critical public safety assets.
“This case proves that secrecy on the internet is an false notion,” he said in a combined announcement with authorities.
He further stated, “We are committed to partnering with the AFP, our global allies, and private sector partners to find and prosecute individuals that misuse the internet to inflict damage to communities.”
The youth was charged with 12 counts of communications-related crimes and one count of unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm. He may be sentenced to up to a decade and a half in prison.
“The police's duty (is|remains) to stopping the damage and anguish participants of these digital criminal groups are imposing on the public, under the mistaken belief they are hidden,” Marshall concluded.
The youth was scheduled to be presented before a New South Wales youth court on Tuesday.
Lena Hoffmann is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering stories that matter, specializing in German current affairs and digital media trends.
