A teenage boy from the New South Wales Central Coast has faced court accused of masterminding a dangerous 'swatting' campaign that sent waves of fear through American communities.
Not Guilty Plea Entered in Wyong Court
The 13-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Wyong Court last week. He entered a plea of not guilty to a total of thirteen charges. These include twelve counts of using a telecommunications system with intent to commit a serious offence and one count of possessing an unauthorised firearm. The firearm charge alone carries a maximum penalty of 14 years behind bars.
The matter has been adjourned, with the boy scheduled to return to court in March.
International Investigation Uncovers Alleged Hoaxer
The Australian Federal Police investigation was sparked by intelligence from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI flagged an Australian member of a decentralised online crime network suspected of being involved in 'swatting' incidents targeting major US retailers and educational institutions.
Swatting is a malicious act where hoax emergency calls are made to trigger a large-scale, armed police response, often by falsely reporting an active shooter or other critical incident.
The AFP alleges the Central Coast teenager made multiple such calls to US emergency services, falsely claiming mass shootings were underway. These actions allegedly caused widespread alarm, disrupted thousands of people and businesses, and had significant financial repercussions.
Taskforce Pompilid Targets Online Crime Networks
On December 18, 2025, AFP officers executed a search warrant at a home on the Central Coast. The operation resulted in the seizure of several electronic devices and a prohibited firearm.
This case falls under the purview of Taskforce Pompilid, which was launched by the AFP in October 2025. The taskforce is dedicated to combating members of online decentralised crime networks who use sophisticated methods and a false sense of anonymity to engage in criminal activities.
AFP acting Assistant Commissioner Graeme Marshall stated that these perpetrators, often young males aged between 11 and 25, engage in crimes like swatting, doxxing, and hacking to gain status and notoriety within their online circles.
"Taskforce Pompilid is the AFP's commitment to stopping the harm and pain members of this online crime network are inflicting on society, under the mistaken belief they are anonymous," Mr Marshall said.
FBI International Operations Division Assistant Director Jason Kaplan emphasised the seriousness of swatting, calling it a dangerous crime that puts lives at risk and wastes vital emergency resources. He stated the case proves that anonymity online is an illusion.
A Warning to Parents and the Community
The AFP is urging parents to take an active role in their children's online lives. Authorities recommend maintaining open conversations about online activity, providing appropriate supervision, and seeking professional support if any concerning behaviour is detected.
More resources for parents are available through the eSafety Commissioner's website.
Both the AFP and FBI have pledged to continue their close collaboration, along with other international partners, to identify and hold accountable those who use technology to cause harm.
