🔗 Share this article Privacy Online is an Mirage’: Australian Teen Indicted Regarding Reported Active Shooter Hoax in the US A teenager from the state of NSW has been formally accused for purportedly issuing several prank calls to emergency services – a tactic referred to as “swatting calls” – wrongly stating gun violence incidents were happening at prominent shopping and schools across the America. Cross-Border Inquiry Culminates in Charges AFP officers charged the teenager on the 18th of December. Authorities allege he is a member of a suspected decentralised online criminal group hiding behind keyboards in order to initiate an “urgent and major emergency response”. “Frequently teenage boys aged from 11 to 25, are engaging in activities including swatting, doxxing and hacking to gain status, notoriety and recognition in their online groups.” As part of the probe, authorities seized several computers and phones and a prohibited firearm found in the young person’s home. This seizure was conducted under a joint police initiative formed in late 2025. Law Enforcement Deliver a Stark Warning Graeme Marshall, commenting broadly, advised that those believing they can break the law with an internet connection and hidden personas are being targeted. The AFP confirmed it launched its investigation upon receiving information from American law enforcement. Jason Kaplan, from the International Operations Division, remarked that the “dangerous and resource-draining crime” of hoax 911 calls endangered lives and drained vital first responder resources. “This incident demonstrates that anonymity online is an myth,” he said in a combined announcement with authorities. He continued, “Our commitment is to collaborating with international partners, our global allies, and tech companies to identify and hold accountable individuals that misuse the internet to cause harm to the public.” Court Proceedings The accused faces a dozen charges of misuse of telecom services and a further count of illegal possession of an illegal weapon. The individual could face up to fourteen years in jail. “The AFP’s commitment (is|remains) to halting the damage and pain members of these digital criminal groups are imposing on the community, operating under the false idea they are hidden,” the official concluded. The boy was set to be presented before a NSW children’s court on this week.