FBI Warns Parents Across America of Sinister Group Targeting Minors

Newsweek

3 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is warning parents about an online group under investigation that appears to be targeting minors and manipulating them to carry out sinister acts.
The bureau said that members of the group—referred to as "764" for the Texas ZIP code where it reportedly originated—befriend minors online via video games, social media and online forums, then coerce them into self-harm and creating explicit material.
The FBI told Newsweek: "The FBI is determined to identify and stop those who target the most vulnerable members of our society, our children."
Stock image of a young person on their phone.
Stock image of a young person on their phone.
Press Association via AP Images
Why It Matters
According to the FBI, 764 is creating a growing problem both online and in the real world.
The group is also said to be targeting children in Canada, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who put out a statement warning that "Violent online groups are targeting and manipulating vulnerable children and youth across widely accessible online platforms."
What To Know
The FBI has launched investigations into more than 250 subjects alleged to be involved in 764, and engaged all 55 FBI field officers across the U.S. in these investigations.
According to the Justice Department, members of the group and people affiliated with it have coerced young girls into carving symbols into their bodies; used threats and intimidation to force young people into online and in-person sexual acts; and manipulated victims into harming animals. They are also accused of encouraging their victims to engage in suicidal and homicidal threats.
Two people believed to be leaders of the group—Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, also known as "War," and Prasan Nepal, 20, also known as "Trippy"—were arrested and charged with operating a global child exploitation enterprise in April.
But, several months later, 764 still appears to pose a threat to children.
"The FBI leverages our counterterrorism and crimes against children expertise to counter this growing problem. We are providing training on countering 764 to personnel in all of our field offices," the bureau said in a statement to Newsweek.
"The FBI has to be agile in recognizing threats that are increasing and applying the appropriate resources. We are working closely with our law enforcement partners both in the United States and overseas on what these criminal actors are doing and how we can identify and hold them legally accountable."
The bureau said that when it first became aware of 764, its members "adhered closely to an ideology that espoused a strong racial or ethnic bias—that influenced their desire to bring about the downfall of society."
An alleged guide used by 764 leaders for giving prospective members explicit instruction on how to create content for the group, used by the Justice Department as evidence in their case against two alleged 764...
An alleged guide used by 764 leaders for giving prospective members explicit instruction on how to create content for the group, used by the Justice Department as evidence in their case against two alleged 764 leaders. More
Justice Department
But it said the group's goals had now shifted and members "just want to sow chaos and facilitate the destruction of society with no further intent."
The FBI said it will investigate cases as terrorism where individuals are engaging in criminal activity to "further their sociopolitical goals."
It added: "Not all members participate in 764 or similar networks for ideological reasons. Motivations vary from person to person, from group to group, and some 764 members may be engaging in criminal activity for sexual gratification, social status or a sense of belonging, or for a mix of other reasons that may not be ideologically motivated.
"In those cases, we will investigate the crimes as a criminal matter, not as terrorism. For that reason, each case is evaluated individually, on a case-by-case basis."
What People Are Saying
The FBI said in a statement to Newsweek: "The FBI is growing increasingly concerned about a loose network of violent predators who befriend minors and other vulnerable individuals through popular online platforms and then coerce them into escalating sexual and violent behavior—pushing victims to create graphic content, child sexual abuse material, harm family pets, cut themselves with sharp objects, or attempt suicide. Some of these predators even watch live-streamed self-harm and other violent content."
Christopher Raia, assistant director in charge of the FBI New York, said in a statement: "Manipulating the most vulnerable members of society—our children—to produce sexually harmful material to further their depraved goals is unconscionable. The FBI is determined to do whatever necessary to stop the heinous actions of 764 members and hold them accountable in the justice system."
Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a press release: "We will find those who exploit and abuse children, prosecute them, and dismantle every part of their operation."
What Happens Next
The two men arrested in conjunction with 764 activities are awaiting trial and could face life in prison if found guilty.
The FBI issued the following advice to parents: "Be aware of your child's online activities, especially to whom he or she may be communicating with and make use of online platforms' parental controls."
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673, or contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) helpline via their website rainn.org.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of 764, we would like to hear your story. You can get in touch by emailing [e-mail]