A NSW juvenile has been charged following an AFP Taskforce Pompilid investigation into multiple hoax calls to major education and retail institutions in the United States.
The AFP launched Taskforce Pompilid in October 2025 to combat members of online decentralised crime networks using their perceived anonymity and online sophistication to engage in criminal behaviour.
The AFP launched an investigation after receiving intelligence from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) concerning an Australian-based member of a decentralised online crime network suspected of being linked to the 'swatting' of major retail and education institutions in the United States.
'Swatting' is a serious criminal act where hoax calls are made to emergency services to trigger an urgent and large-scale emergency response.
The AFP will allege the boy made multiple hoax 'swatting' reports to emergency services falsely claiming mass shootings were taking place at major retail and educational institutions in the United States.
A search warrant was executed at a NSW house on 18 December, 2025, with a number of electronic devices and a prohibited firearm seized.
The boy was charged with:
- Twelve counts of using a telecommunications network with intention to commit a serious offence, being conveying false information about danger contrary to section 93Q of the Crimes Act 1900, contrary to section 474.14(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
- One count of unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm, contrary to section 7(1) of the Firearms Act (NSW). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.
The boy is scheduled to first appear in a NSW Children's Court today (13 January, 2026).
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Graeme Marshall said the AFP would continue to work closely with international law enforcement partners, particularly Five Eyes partners, to target members of the decentralised online crime network.
"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," a/Assistant Commissioner Marshall said.
"These perpetrators, often young males aged from 11-25, are engaging in crime types such as swatting, doxxing and hacking to achieve status, notoriety and recognition in their online groups.
"In this investigation, a young boy from regional NSW allegedly caused widespread alarm and turmoil to thousands of people, businesses and services in the United States, resulting in significant financial implications.
"These types of investigations are complex, and the AFP will continue to work with private and public sector partners to educate families and schools about the threat of these online decentralised crime networks, as part of our commitment to protect our community."
FBI International Operations Division Assistant Director Jason A. Kaplan said: "The FBI views swatting as a dangerous and disruptive crime that endangers lives and drains critical emergency resources.
"This case demonstrates that anonymity online is an illusion, and we are committed to working with the AFP, our international partners, and private sector partners to identify and hold accountable those who exploit technology to cause harm to communities."
US Embassy Canberra Chargé d'Affaires Erika Olson said: ""We are grateful for the strong partnership between the FBI and AFP that prevented further harm to US citizens.
"Our agencies have worked side-by-side for decades to keep both our countries safe, and we appreciate our continued cooperation."
The AFP acknowledges the challenges faced by parents and carers in managing children's online activity in an increasingly complex digital environment. Parents are encouraged to:
- Be curious and maintain open conversations with children about their online activity;
- Actively supervise online activity where appropriate; and
- Seek professional or community support if concerns arise.
