Australian girls are being systematically targeted by online criminal networks that coerce them into committing violent acts against themselves, family members, or pets, in what authorities describe as a “twisted type of gamification.” In response, the Australian Federal Police has launched a new taskforce and is collaborating internationally to dismantle these groups.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has issued a stark warning about this disturbing trend, with Commissioner Krissy Barrett highlighting it as a new front in gender-based violence. Recruitment occurs on platforms like Roblox, Discord, and Telegram, where perpetrators, often in their late teens or early 20s, exploit vulnerable girls with low self-esteem or mental health issues. These offenders, referred to as “crimefluencers,” are motivated by amusement and online popularity rather than financial or sexual gain, subscribing to extremist ideologies such as nihilism, sadism, Nazism, and satanism.
The violent acts coerced include self-harm, attacks on siblings, and abuse of pets, with police noting that offenders may not fully understand the consequences. So far, 59 alleged offenders have been identified in Australia, with three domestic arrests and nine internationally, underscoring the scale and urgency of the issue. The behavior is not driven by traditional motives but rather for fun, treating exploitation as a game that preys on youth seeking validation online.
In response, the AFP established Taskforce Pompilid to target these networks, protect victims, and remove perpetrator anonymity. This effort is part of a broader collaboration with Five Eyes nations—the US, UK, New Zealand, and Canada—to address the cross-border nature of the threat. Commissioner Barrett announced the taskforce in her first speech at the National Press Club, emphasizing the need for swift action against what she called a “new and disturbing front” in crime.
Additionally, the AFP is working with tech companies to develop an AI tool that detects coded language and emojis in encrypted communications, aiming to stay ahead of evolving tactics used by these groups. This technological innovation is crucial for identifying and intervening in sadistic online exploitation before it escalates. The announcement coincides with Australia’s planned social media ban for children under 16, though gaming and messaging platforms are exempt, raising concerns about gaps in protection.
The broader context includes online radicalization, with social media and gaming platforms amplifying extremist views and desensitizing youth to violence. Commissioner Barrett’s speech also addressed counterterrorism efforts, noting that digital spaces are pulling young Australians into extremist movements at an alarming speed. To combat this, the AFP is establishing a Social Cohesion Consultative Board to build resilience and prevent radicalization through community engagement and mental health support.
Looking ahead, the AFP is repositioning as a national security agency with a global focus, emphasizing the protection of Australia’s sovereignty and social cohesion. Commissioner Barrett stressed that this requires a whole-of-society effort to mitigate criminal threats in the digital age. The case highlights the evolving nature of crime and the need for continuous adaptation in policing strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations.