MAN JAILED FOR ENCOURAGING HOAX 999 CALLS IN WALES

Callum Dare, 26, from Talbot Green in Rhondda Cynon Taf, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison for using encrypted internet platforms to encourage others to make false emergency calls. Cardiff Crown Court heard that Dare was arrested in October 2019 after the FBI identified him in international chat rooms. He admitted being the administrator of a website and participating in online groups that encouraged malicious communications and bomb hoaxes. The conviction marks the first "swatting" case prosecuted in Wales, a term referring to hoax calls that trigger armed police responses.

Among the incidents investigated was a false call made to Los Angeles police claiming bombs were placed under chairs at the University of California, prompting an evacuation. A second hoax call targeted Cardiff journalist Will Hayward, falsely claiming nail bombs had been planted and hostages taken at the Sandringham Hotel in the city centre, leading police to close off the area. When arrested, police seized Dare's electronic devices and found files related to phishing fraud designed to collect personal and payment details from dark web users. He admitted possessing phishing software intended to obtain login credentials for dark websites and monitor cryptocurrency accounts, knowing it was designed for fraudulent purposes.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke stated she was satisfied Dare intended others would carry out swatting offences in the United States, where police and members of the public routinely carry firearms. Dare will serve 40 per cent of his sentence in custody, with the remainder to be served in the community on licence. A spokesperson for Tarian, the regional organised crime unit for south Wales, said swatting could be "extremely serious".