**NSW Boy Accused of Hoax Mass Shooting Calls to US**
A 13-year-old boy from regional New South Wales has been accused of making fake emergency calls claiming mass shootings were taking place at major retail and education institutions in the United States.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched an investigation after receiving intelligence from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) suggesting the boy was linked to an online criminal network suspected of hoax activity. The practice, known as swatting, is a criminal act that involves making hoax calls to emergency services to trigger a large-scale response.
The name "swatting" refers to the police units called Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, which often respond to emergency incidents in the US. Swatting is a dangerous and disruptive crime that endangers lives and drains critical emergency resources.
According to authorities, swatting is often perpetrated by young boys and men who seek status and notoriety in online communities. The AFP's Taskforce Pompilid was established in October to combat members of online crime networks. As part of the investigation, electronic devices were seized from a home in regional NSW last month.
The boy has been charged with 12 counts of using a telecommunications network to convey false information about danger and possessing a prohibited firearm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years behind bars. He was due to appear in the NSW Children's Court on Tuesday.
AFP acting Assistant Commissioner Graeme Marshall said that online crime networks often operate under the mistaken belief they are anonymous. "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," he said.
The FBI's Jason Kaplan echoed these sentiments, stating that anonymity online is an illusion. "This case demonstrates that 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."
**Background on Swatting**
* Swatting is a criminal act that involves making hoax calls to emergency services to trigger a large-scale response. * The practice is often perpetrated by young boys and men seeking status and notoriety in online communities. * Authorities have linked swatting to doxxing (the publication of private or personal information) and hacking, which are also considered forms of cybercrime.