SYDNEY, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- A teenager from the east coast Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has been arrested and charged over several hoax "swatting" calls made to emergency services in the United States, authorities said on Tuesday.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a statement that it launched an investigation after receiving intelligence from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding an Australian-based member of a decentralized online criminal network suspected of being linked to the swatting of major institutions.
As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was executed at a house in regional NSW on Dec. 18, 2025 and multiple electronic devices as well as a prohibited firearm were seized.
The teenager was charged with 12 counts of using a telecommunications network with intent to commit a serious offence, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment, and one count of unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.
Swatting is a serious criminal act where hoax calls are made to emergency services to trigger an urgent and large-scale emergency response, according to the statement.
The AFP said it will be alleged in court that the boy made multiple reports to emergency services in the United States falsely claiming mass shootings were taking place at major retail and educational institutions.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Graeme Marshall said that the incidents caused widespread alarm and turmoil to thousands of people, businesses and services in the United States, resulting in significant financial implications. ■