Crime29 October, 20252 min read
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett Launches Taskforce to Crack Down on Online Networks Exploiting and Grooming Girls
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AFP launched Taskforce Pompilid to combat online networks exploiting and radicalising young girls Taskforce will develop AI tools to decode Gen Z slang and emojis used by offenders
5 outlets told this the same way.
Australia's Online Child Protection Effort
Australia’s new Federal Police Commissioner, Krissy Barrett, launched Taskforce Pompilid to dismantle decentralised online networks grooming and exploiting children—particularly girls—and spreading violent extremist ideologies. Barrett framed the threat as a “disturbing new form of gender-based violence” and said the AFP would use its “full powers” to unmask and arrest offenders.
“Australia’s new Federal Police Commissioner, Krissy Barrett, announced the creation of Taskforce Pompilid to target men exploiting and radicalizing vulnerable children, especially young girls, through online networks.”
The networks, uncovered by the AFP, are described as status-seeking communities trading in increasingly extreme acts of sadism, underscoring the urgency of the crackdown. Operationally, authorities characterise the target as a decentralised online criminal ecosystem that blends cyber attacks, extremist content, and the sadistic exploitation of youth.
Online Abuse and Extremism Networks
According to the AFP, perpetrators in these networks are predominantly young males from English-speaking countries who coerce victims into explicit, violent acts and trade abuse material for status. Barrett warns the networks promote violent extremism, nihilism, sadism, Nazism, and satanism, grooming victims to harm themselves or others.
Authorities also link the group to doxxing, swatting, and other cyber-enabled intimidation. There is a reported culture of escalating sadism that treats victims like tokens in a game.
Offender Identification and Arrests
Enforcement efforts are already underway. Barrett and the AFP say 59 alleged offenders linked to these networks have been identified in Australia, with arrests occurring domestically and overseas.
“Barrett noted that 59 alleged offenders linked to these networks have been identified in Australia, with recent arrests both domestically and internationally.”
Mirage News reports greater specificity — nine international and three domestic arrests — while The Guardian adds that the alleged offenders identified are aged 17 to 20 and notes several arrests so far. All sources converge on the scale (59 suspects) but differ in the granularity of arrests and demographic detail.
Combating Online Exploitation
To outpace the networks’ encrypted slang and symbols, the AFP is partnering with Microsoft to build tools that interpret Gen Z and Alpha emojis and youth slang in encrypted chats. The goal is to flag and disrupt exploitation faster. This effort is part of a broader international approach.
The taskforce combines cybercrime, counter-terrorism, and child-protection expertise. It will collaborate with domestic and international partners, including the Five Eyes Law Enforcement Group. Their mission is to dismantle the network and protect victims.
AFP Leadership and Strategy
Barrett situates Taskforce Pompilid within a wider AFP strategy. Women’s Agenda notes she is the first woman to lead the AFP and has outlined a five‑year plan to protect Australia’s sovereignty, democracy, social cohesion, financial systems and future prosperity by disrupting such crimes. The Guardian reports her leadership marks a strategic shift toward defending against domestic and global security threats with increased overseas operations.
“Barrett, the first woman to lead the AFP, outlined her five-year strategy focusing on protecting Australia’s sovereignty, democracy, social cohesion, financial systems, and future prosperity by disrupting such crimes.”
The Guardian also reports concurrent investigations into youth radicalisation and the Adass Israel Synagogue arson. Mirage News remains focused on the taskforce’s operational remit against violent crimes in Australia and internationally.