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The Department of Justice�� that federal charges have been filed against a juvenile following a rash of swatting calls aimed at universities and other institutions in August 2025, including a�� on Aug. 25. The CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD) supported the nationwide investigation and worked directly with the FBI on the case.

The defendant in this case was a self-identified member of the cybercriminal group “Purgatory” and selected the victim institutions at random. Authorities have found no evidence that CU Boulder was uniquely targeted, that the individual was ever on campus or that there was any plan for an actual attack on the university.

Swatting calls have become an increasingly common crime because the perpetrators are often part of larger online cybercriminal communities and believe they will not be caught. The result of this case proves otherwise. CUPD investigators provided critical information to the FBI that ultimately led to this arrest.

“These types of crimes pull critical safety resources from real emergencies within our campus community, disrupt campus operations and can lead to fractured trust between the Division of Public Safety and our campus community,” said CUPD Police Chief Ashley Griffin.��

“I’m grateful that the partnership between CUPD and the FBI, specifically the collaboration between CUPD detectives and FBI agents, led to a successful apprehension of the juvenile suspect. Engaging in crimes that undermine public safety on our campus will not be tolerated, and CUPD remains committed to fostering a safe campus environment for all.”

Public safety on campus is a shared responsibility. CUPD encourages anyone who sees concerning behavior that may threaten public safety on campus to��report it to CUPD.��

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