**Aussie Teenager Charged with Swatting US Retailers and Educational Institutions**
A 17-year-old from regional New South Wales has been charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for allegedly making multiple hoax calls to major education and retail institutions in the United States, causing widespread alarm and turmoil.
The teenager is accused of engaging in "swatting", a form of cybercrime where hoax calls are placed to emergency services, leading police special weapons and tactics (SWAT) units to respond to events such as active armed offender incidents. In this case, the teen allegedly made several swatting reports that falsely claimed mass shootings were taking place at retailers and educational institutions in the US.
According to the AFP, intelligence was received from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about the Australia-based teenager being part of a decentralised online crime network suspected of being linked to swatting in the US. An AFP raid on a house in regional NSW on December 18 last year resulted in the seizure of electronic devices and a pistol, further adding to the charges.
The charges come under the newly established Taskforce Pompilid (spider wasp), set up by the AFP in October last year to target male online offenders who attempt to coerce young girls into carrying out serious acts of violence on themselves, their siblings, and pets. This twisted form of gamification has been a growing concern for law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Acting AFP Assistant Commissioner Graeme Marshall described the teenager's actions as causing significant financial implications and widespread alarm to thousands of people, businesses, and services in the United States. "These perpetrators, often young males aged 11-25, are engaging in crime types such as swatting, doxxing, and hacking to achieve status, notoriety, and recognition in their online groups," Marshall said.
The teenager has been charged with 12 counts of using a telecommunications network with the intention of committing a serious offence. On top of this, they are also facing charges for being in possession of a prohibited firearm. The offences carry maximum sentences of 14 years imprisonment and five years imprisonment respectively.
Due to their age, the AFP has not named the teenager. They first appeared in a NSW Children's Court today, where they will face the consequences of their alleged actions.
**Related Information:**
* Taskforce Pompilid (spider wasp) was established by the AFP in October last year to target male online offenders who attempt to coerce young girls into carrying out serious acts of violence. * Swatting is a form of cybercrime where hoax calls are placed to emergency services, leading police special weapons and tactics (SWAT) units to respond to events such as active armed offender incidents.