A teenager in New South Wales was charged after allegedly making multiple hoax reports to emergency services – a practice known as “swatting” – falsely claiming mass shootings were taking place at major retail and educational institutions in the US.

The Australian federal police (AFP) charged the boy on 18 December, claiming he is part of an alleged decentralised online crime network hiding behind keyboards in order to trigger an “urgent and large-scale emergency response”.

Officers seized a number of electronic devices and a prohibited firearm in the juvenile’s possession as part of Taskforce Pompilid established in October 2025.

Graeme Marshall, the acting assistant commissioner of the AFP, speaking generally, warned people believing they can commit crimes with an internet connection and encrypted identities were on notice.

“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 AFP said it launched an investigation after getting intelligence from the FBI.

_{Sign up: AU Breaking News email}

International Operations Division assistant director from the FBI Jason Kaplan said the “dangerous and disruptive crime” of fake emergency calls endangered lives and drained critical emergency resources.

“This case demonstrates that anonymity online is an illusion,” he said in the joint statement with the AFP.

“We are committed to working with the AFP, our international partners, and private sector partners to identify and hold accountable those who exploit technology to cause harm to communities.”

The teenager was charged with 12 counts of telecommunications offences and one count of unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm and could face up to 14 years in jail.

“The AFP’s commitment (is) to stopping the harm and pain members of this online crime network are inflicting on society, under the mistaken belief they are anonymous,” Marshall said.

The boy was scheduled to appear in a NSW children’s court on Tuesday.