🔗 Share this article ‘Anonymity Online is an Illusion’: Australian Teen Indicted Over Supposed Active Shooter False Report in the US A teenager from New South Wales has been formally accused following accusations he issuing several prank calls to emergency services – a practice called “SWATting” – falsely claiming mass shootings were happening at prominent shopping and schools in the America. Cross-Border Investigation Culminates in Legal Action AFP officers laid charges against the boy on December 18th. Officials state he belongs to an alleged loosely organised internet-based criminal group hiding behind keyboards in order to trigger an “rapid and large-scale police response”. “Frequently young males ranging in age from 11 to 25, are participating in activities including swatting, doxxing and hacking to gain status, a reputation and recognition in their online groups.” During the case, authorities took possession of a number of electronic devices and an illegal weapon found in the teen’s possession. This seizure was part of Taskforce Pompilid created in the final quarter of 2025. Law Enforcement Provide a Strong Caution A senior AFP official, speaking generally, warned that individuals operating under the illusion they can carry out offenses with an internet connection and hidden personas were on notice. The AFP stated it initiated its inquiry after getting tip-offs from American law enforcement. Jason Kaplan, from the International Operations Division, said that the “hazardous and disturbing offense” of fake emergency calls threatened public safety and consumed essential public safety assets. “This investigation proves that anonymity online is an illusion,” he said in a joint statement with authorities. He added, “We are committed to working with international partners, our overseas colleagues, and industry experts to identify and bring to justice people who abuse the internet to inflict damage to the public.” Judicial Process The accused has been indicted on 12 counts of misuse of telecom services and one count of illegal possession of a prohibited firearm. The individual could face up to a decade and a half in a correctional facility. “The police's duty (is|remains) to stopping the damage and suffering members of such networks are imposing on society, while laboring under the illusion they are hidden,” the assistant commissioner stated. The youth was scheduled to appear in a New South Wales juvenile court on Tuesday.