🔗 Share this article Privacy Online is an Illusion’: Aussie Teenager Charged Over Supposed Active Shooter False Report in America An adolescent from New South Wales has been indicted following accusations he issuing several false reports to 911 operators – a practice called “SWATting” – wrongly stating active shooter situations were taking place at large commercial and educational institutions in the US. International Investigation Leads to Charges The Australian federal police charged the boy on the 18th of December. They claim he belongs to a purported decentralised online criminal group hiding behind keyboards in order to trigger an “immediate and major emergency response”. “Often young males aged from 11 to 25, are involved in crime types including swatting, doxing and computer intrusion to earn credibility, a reputation and recognition in their online groups.” As part of the probe, police confiscated a number of digital devices and a prohibited firearm located in the teen’s possession. This seizure was part of a joint police initiative formed in October 2025. Officials Deliver a Strong Caution An acting assistant commissioner, speaking generally, cautioned that people operating under the illusion they can carry out offenses with an internet connection and anonymous accounts are being targeted. The AFP stated it launched its inquiry following information from US federal agents. A senior FBI official, from the International Operations Division, remarked that the “risky and disruptive offense” of hoax 911 calls endangered lives and wasted essential emergency resources. “This investigation shows that secrecy on the internet is an false notion,” he commented in a shared press release with authorities. He continued, “Our commitment is to collaborating with international partners, our overseas colleagues, and tech companies to identify and bring to justice individuals that misuse technology to cause harm to communities.” Legal Next Steps The teenager has been indicted on 12 counts of telecommunications offences and one count of unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm. He may be sentenced to up to 14 years in jail. “The AFP’s commitment (is|remains) to preventing the damage and pain individuals of these digital criminal groups are inflicting on the public, operating under the false idea they are untraceable,” the official said. The teenager was set to appear in a New South Wales youth court on the following Tuesday.