Secrecy Online is an Illusion’: Aussie Youth Charged Over Supposed Mass Shooting Prank in the US

An adolescent from New South Wales has been charged for purportedly placing numerous prank calls to first responders – an act called “SWATting” – falsely claiming active shooter situations were happening at major retail and schools across the US.

Global Inquiry Culminates in Arrest

AFP officers charged the young male on 18 December. Officials state he is a member of a suspected loosely organised internet-based crime network operating from behind computer screens in order to trigger an “urgent and major SWAT team deployment”.

“Often young males between the ages of 11 to 25, are involved in activities like swatting calls, releasing private info and hacking to achieve status, notoriety and recognition in their online groups.”

As part of the investigation, police confiscated multiple digital devices and a banned gun discovered in the teen’s custody. This action was conducted under Taskforce Pompilid formed in the final quarter of 2025.

Officials Deliver a Clear Message

An acting assistant commissioner, issuing a warning, cautioned that those believing they can break the law with an internet connection and anonymous accounts are being targeted.

Federal authorities confirmed it began its probe following intelligence from the FBI.

A senior FBI official, from the International Operations Division, stated that the “risky and disturbing crime” of fake emergency calls put lives at risk and wasted vital public safety assets.

“This case proves that secrecy in the digital realm is an false notion,” he said in a combined announcement with authorities.

He added, “Our commitment is to partnering with the AFP, our international partners, and private sector partners to locate and hold accountable those who misuse digital tools to cause harm to the public.”

Court Proceedings

The teenager faces a dozen charges of misuse of telecom services and a further count of unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm. He could face up to 14 years in a correctional facility.

“The police's duty (is|remains) to halting the harm and anguish individuals of this online crime network are inflicting on society, operating under the false idea they are hidden,” the assistant commissioner concluded.

The boy was scheduled to be presented before a NSW juvenile court on the following Tuesday.