A teenager in New South Wales was charged on December 18 for making multiple hoax emergency calls, falsely reporting mass shootings at large US retail and educational sites. This illegal act, called “swatting,” caused urgent responses from emergency services. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said the boy is part of a secretive online crime group that uses computers to create panic. The AFP seized several electronic devices and a banned firearm from the teen under Taskforce Pompilid, launched in October 2025. Acting Assistant Commissioner Graeme Marshall from the AFP warned that people think they can hide behind the internet to commit crimes. He said, “Often young males aged from 11 to 25, are engaging in crime types such as swatting, doxing and hacking to achieve status, notoriety and recognition in their online groups.” The FBI helped the AFP with intelligence that led to the investigation. Jason Kaplan, Assistant Director of the FBI's International Operations Division, called such fake emergency calls “dangerous and disruptive” because they waste resources and risk lives. He added, “This case demonstrates that anonymity online is an illusion.” The teenager faces 12 telecommunications offence charges and one count of illegal possession of a prohibited firearm. He could be jailed for up to 14 years. The boy was to appear in a NSW children’s court on Tuesday. The AFP said it is dedicated to stopping harm caused by criminals thinking they are hidden online.