‘Anonymity online is an illusion’: NSW teen charged over alleged mass shooting hoax in US

The Guardian - World NewsEN 1 min read 100% complete by Australia Associated PressJanuary 13, 2026 at 02:47 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

A teenager in New South Wales, Australia, was charged on December 18 by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for allegedly making hoax emergency calls to the US, falsely reporting mass shootings. The boy is suspected of being part of a decentralized online crime network involved in "swatting," a practice intended to trigger large-scale emergency responses. The AFP's Taskforce Pompilid, established in October 2025, led to the seizure of electronic devices and a prohibited firearm from the teen. The charges stem from multiple false reports targeting major retail and educational institutions in the United States.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Australia 50% Taskforce Pompilid 60% United States 70% New South Wales 80% Australian Federal Police (AFP) 90%

Keywords

swatting 90% hoax reports 80% mass shooting 70% online crime network 70% australian federal police 60% emergency services 60% prohibited firearm 50% electronic devices 50% taskforce pompilid 40%