The Dangerous Group Targeting Children Online |
The 764 Network targets children through online games, social media, and interest-based chat groups.
764 coercion can escalate to sextortion, harming animals, self-harm, suicide, or violence.
The FBI is investigating 450 members of the 764 Network for crimes against minors.
Caregivers should stay engaged, know the signs, preserve evidence, and report suspected exploitation.
I’ve been struggling for some time with how to share this information because it’s one of the toughest topics I’ve ever discussed.
As someone who spends time researching and educating on topics of interpersonal and intrapersonal violence, I know more than my share of what humans are capable of doing to others, and the 764 Network keeps me awake at night.
Throughout history, parents and caregivers have been concerned about in-person strangers harming their children and teenagers. Some worry every time their child leaves the house. Unbeknownst to many, some of the worst predators are trying to enter their home through their child’s phone, gaming console, or laptop.
The 764 Network's Victims
Members lurk online, posing as friends through compliments and commonalities. Their goal is to torment and gain power over minors. They represent one of the most dangerous online networks targeting minors today.
These loosely connected predators commit some of the most heinous acts one can imagine. Since 764's inception, members have a pattern of sextortion, creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), stabbings, and more. In fact, a single member was recently convicted of 29 charges for acts against those as young as 11.
There are documented victims who were instructed to carve their abuser's name into their own skin as an act of ownership. Other children were ordered to torture animals as proof of loyalty. A few were pushed toward suicide in front of members while on camera.
At the time I’m writing this, the FBI is investigating 450 members of........