🔗 Share this article Secrecy Online is an Mirage’: Aussie Teen Faces Charges Over Reported Mass Shooting False Report in America A youth from New South Wales has been charged for purportedly making multiple prank calls to emergency services – a tactic called “SWATting” – deceptively reporting active shooter situations were taking place at major retail and universities in the America. International Investigation Leads to Arrest AFP officers formally accused the boy on the 18th of December. Authorities allege he is part of an alleged distributed digital network of offenders operating from behind anonymous accounts in order to initiate an “urgent and major police response”. “Frequently young males ranging in age from 11 to 25, are engaging in offenses like swatting calls, doxxing and hacking to earn credibility, notoriety and recognition in their internet circles.” As part of the investigation, police confiscated multiple computers and phones and an illegal weapon discovered in the young person’s possession. This seizure was conducted under a specialized task force formed in the final quarter of 2025. Officials Deliver a Strong Caution An acting assistant commissioner, speaking generally, cautioned that those thinking they can break the law from behind a computer and hidden personas should be warned. Australian police stated it initiated its probe after getting intelligence from the FBI. A senior FBI official, from the FBI's international wing, said that the “dangerous and disruptive act” of fake emergency calls put lives at risk and consumed essential first responder resources. “This case proves that hidden identity in the digital realm is an false notion,” he commented in a joint statement with authorities. He continued, “We are committed to working with the AFP, our international partners, and private sector partners to identify and prosecute those who misuse the internet to inflict damage to the public.” Judicial Process The teenager was charged with 12 counts of communications-related crimes and one count of unauthorised possession of an illegal weapon. The accused could face up to 14 years in a correctional facility. “Our pledge (is|remains) to preventing the damage and suffering members of these digital criminal groups are causing to the community, under the mistaken belief they are untraceable,” the assistant commissioner said. The teenager was scheduled to face a NSW children’s court on Tuesday.