An Australian boy has been charged after allegedly making phone calls to organisations in the United States reporting fake mass shootings.
A tip from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in October 2025 prompted an investigation into the anonymous minor.
The Bureau shared intelligence suggesting an Australian was involved in an online decentralised crime network linked to the 'swatting' calls about public shootings.
'Swatting' is a reference to hoax calls made to emergency services in order to trigger an urgent and large response from authorities.
'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 statement on Tuesday read.
Officers searched a regional New South Wales home on December 18 and seized several electronic devices and a prohibited firearm.
The boy was then charged with 12 counts of using a telecommunications network with intention to commit a serious offence - conveying false information about danger.
He was also accused of one count of unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm.
The first charge carries a maximum sentence of five years behind bars whereas the firearm charge could result in up to 14 years of imprisonment.
The minor was due to appear in a NSW Children's Court on Tuesday.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Graeme Marshall said the accused allegedly had a negative impact on people in the US.
'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,' he said.
'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.'
'These perpetrators, often young males aged from 11 to 25, are engaging in crime types such as swatting, doxxing and hacking to achieve status, notoriety and recognition in their online groups.'
FBI International Operations Division Assistant Director Jason Kaplan added the arrest was a sign of successful international cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
'The FBI views swatting as a dangerous and disruptive crime that endangers lives and drains critical emergency resources,' he said.
The AFP alleges the boy called emergency services in the US about fake mass shootings.
'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 America's partnership with Australia, particularly through the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, worked to 'prevent 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,' she said.
Parents concerned about their children's activity online are advised by the AFP to maintain open conversations with their child, supervise their online behaviour and seek professional or community help if problems arise.