⏱ 2 min read
A rash of swatting calls aimed at universities in Eastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere in August 2025 has led to federal charges against a 17-year-old member of the online cybercriminal group ‘Purgatory.’
Prosecutors say the defendant randomly selected the victim institutions, which included universities in PA, and was not affiliated with any of them. The goal of the swatting calls was to draw a response from law enforcement, specifically a SWAT team, to the victim’s location.
Swatting calls have become increasingly common, wasting valuable resources for local police departments and first responders who respond to the calls believing there is an immediate threat. The perpetrators often believe they won’t be caught or punished, but federal law enforcement is investigating and prosecuting these crimes.
The FBI investigated the case and is providing a method for victim institutions to contact them. Charges were filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Cybercrime
- Defendant: Pennsylvania
- Location: PA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
