In a stark warning that has rattled law‑enforcement and parents alike, the FBI has declared it is “growing very concerned” about a violent extremist organization known as “764.” The group, which prosecutors say began in a Texas zip code and has since spread worldwide, is alleged to groom and manipulate vulnerable children through publicly available messaging platforms and gaming sites, luring them into self‑harm or harming others.
FBI’s Growing Concern
More than 350 individuals with potential ties to “764” are currently under investigation, the FBI spokesperson said, and every field office across the country is involved in related cases. The agency stresses that the group’s name derives from the first three digits of the zip code where it allegedly originated. “This is perversion like I’ve never seen,” said D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. She added that the organization is a child exploitation enterprise with a shared goal of destroying young children, and that it goes beyond exploitation to child mutilation.
Group Tactics and Grooming Methods
According to investigators, “764” members first befriend children online, then entice them to record or livestream acts of self‑mutilation, sexual activity or animal harm. Pirro described the extreme content, saying, “They’re having children pour bleach on their arms and then light their arms on fire.” The indictment also alleges that the group shares a guide instructing members how to extort victims—blackmailing them to produce content and threatening to release images to family and friends if they do not comply. A minor in Maryland is named in that extortion scheme. Pirro noted that extortion is used as a form of discipline for little girls who might not have a father at home.
Legal Actions and Indictments
Pirro’s office has charged two men who are said to be leaders of “764.” The defendants are accused of teaching other prospective members how to groom minors for violent acts. One named defendant, Prasan Nepal, pleaded not guilty; his attorney did not respond to a request for comment. Pirro warned that the defendant faces life in prison if convicted of the crimes outlined in the indictment. The second defendant, a U.S. citizen residing in Greece, has not been extradited but faces charges there. No attorney is listed for him.
NCMEC Report and Rising Cases
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) told the I‑Team that it has seen a sharp increase in what it calls “sadistic online exploitation.” CyberTipline Director Fallon McNulty reported that in the first nine months of this year, more than 2,000 reports were tracked. Data shows that 75% of the victims are aged 14 to 17, and 21% are aged 11 to 13. These statistics underscore the urgency of the FBI’s warning.
Parent Guidance and Pirro’s Warning
Pirro urged parents to talk openly with their children about online threats and to remain vigilant for physical signs such as fresh cuts or bruises. She also advised watching for sudden behavioral changes, including wearing long sleeves or pants in unusual circumstances. “Do they keep me up at night? Some do,” Pirro said regarding the cases. She added, “They would keep any human being up at night if that human being were normal. But when you do the work that we do, we deal with the lowest of the low.”
Recent Indictments and Project Safe Childhood
Last month, a federal grand jury indicted a 20‑year‑old Maryland man for alleged crimes against three girls who may have ties to “764.” He faces charges of cyberstalking, sexual exploitation, coercion and enticement of a child. If convicted, he could receive a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30. These cases are part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse online.
Key Takeaways
- The FBI is investigating over 350 individuals linked to the extremist group “764,” which targets children through online grooming.
- Leaders of the group have been charged, and one defendant faces life in prison if convicted.
- NCMEC reports a sharp rise in sadistic online exploitation, with 75% of victims aged 14‑17.
In summary, the combined efforts of the FBI, NCMEC, and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro highlight a growing threat to children worldwide. Their coordinated investigations and indictments aim to dismantle the “764” network and protect vulnerable youth from extreme exploitation and violence.
