A detailed investigation into multiple cyber incidents has led to the arrest of a 22-year-old man from South Australia, who now faces several serious charges and remains in custody without bail.
The accused, identified as Aiden Wood, has been charged with 12 cybercrime-related offences following what authorities described as a “complex” investigation. Police said the alleged activities took place between December 22, 2025, and April 13, 2026, involving visits to private and government organisations to “facilitate the offending.”
Authorities seized multiple items from his residence for forensic examination. Charges include unauthorised access and modification of computer data, carrying penalties of up to 10 years and 2 years imprisonment, respectively.
Although initially linked to 28 offences, the accused appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court facing 12 charges, including operating a restricted access system and altering data to cause harm or disruption.
He is accused of interfering with NBN services at Port Adelaide Magistrates Court, which resulted in staff losing access to their Microsoft email system for 24 hours.
Further allegations include unauthorised Wi-Fi access within a building in the Adelaide CBD, believed to house critical government infrastructure linked to agencies such as the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Defence Force. After reportedly breaching a security office system, he allegedly took control of internal printers to print hundreds of images of a cat and an elevator dashboard.
Investigators said the accused shared details of the incidents on Discord, where a group administrator later alerted the affected organisations.
The case also involves alleged breaches at cinema operator Val Morgan locations in New South Wales and Victoria, as well as systems linked to Goodlife Gym in Payneham.
In addition, he faces charges related to stalking and harassment of a school acquaintance, including alleged threats to kill the person’s father. Prosecutors described the behaviour as driven by “attention seeking [and] the ability that he can conduct this behaviour.”
Despite defence claims of a “significant level of disability,” the court denied bail, citing that his “potential [to cause] serious harm… is extreme and cannot be managed.” A new hearing has been scheduled for December.
Authorities also noted that cybercrime cases have been rising recently, with separate arrests in Queensland and NSW for online threats and extremist material. The AFP has also warned the public about scam messages impersonating its cybercrime officials.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
