The FBI has uncovered a sinister online network called “764” that manipulates children into self-harm, violence, and suicide as part of neo-Nazi and satanic rituals.
Key Takeaways
- The “764” network targets children and teens across popular platforms including Roblox, Discord, TikTok, and Snapchat with neo-Nazi and satanic ideologies.
- All 55 FBI field offices are investigating at least 250 incidents related to the group, with cases significantly increasing since 2022.
- Predators coerce minors into creating violent or sexual content, practicing self-harm, and even setting themselves on fire as “rites of passage.”
- Parents are urged to maintain open communication with children, monitor online activities, and watch for warning signs like secretive behavior and unusual interest in extremist content.
- The Department of Justice has recently made arrests linked to the “764” network, which the FBI describes as one of the most disturbing trends they’ve encountered.
A Growing Threat to America’s Children
The FBI has issued an urgent warning about a dangerous online network targeting American children. Known as “764,” this decentralized group has infiltrated popular social media and gaming platforms since 2021, spreading neo-Nazi and satanic ideologies to vulnerable youth. The threat is so severe that all 55 FBI field offices are now involved in investigating at least 250 incidents connected to the network, with cases dramatically increasing since 2022. The group operates through a coordinated structure designed to exploit minors and destabilize society through extreme ideological manipulation.
“The 764 Group is a decentralized network of neo-Nazi, satanic ideology and is tied to a group called the Order of Nine Angels,” said Dr. Stephen Boyce.
The predators within this network specifically target children through platforms where they naturally gather, including Roblox, Discord, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and X. Using sophisticated psychological tactics such as love bombing and creating fake online relationships, they gradually isolate victims from their support systems. What begins as seemingly innocent online interactions can quickly escalate to coercion, with children being manipulated into creating increasingly disturbing content. Most alarmingly, the FBI has documented cases where children were encouraged to harm themselves or others as twisted “rites of passage.”
Devastating Impact on Victims
The tactics employed by the “764” network are particularly disturbing in their escalation and manipulation. Predators initially establish trust with their victims before gradually coercing them into increasingly dangerous behaviors. Children are manipulated into sharing images of self-mutilation, engaging in sexual acts, or participating in violent activities. In some of the most extreme cases reported, children have been convinced to set themselves on fire while following online directions from members of the network. The predators then demand evidence of these acts, creating a cycle of abuse and extortion.
“The underlying core tenet is their desire to degrade or destroy our society through the exploitation of minors and/or other at-risk individuals,” said Ryan Presley.
FBI officials have characterized this as one of the most disturbing trends they’ve encountered in their careers precisely because it targets society’s most vulnerable population. The predators are sophisticated in their approach, making victims feel responsible for the abuse they experience. Beyond the immediate physical and psychological harm, the network also encourages children to participate in dangerous activities like “swatting” – falsely reporting emergencies to prompt armed police responses – and “doxxing,” which involves publishing private information about others online with malicious intent.
Warning Signs and Protective Measures
Parents are the first line of defense against this growing threat. The FBI urges families to be vigilant for warning signs that their child may be involved with the “764” network. These include sudden secretive behavior around devices, unusual interest in extreme ideologies, unexpected romantic relationships developed online, changes in language or meme usage, and most critically, any evidence of self-harm. Rather than responding with panic, which could further isolate a child, parents should approach these situations with care and seek appropriate intervention.
“Sometimes they’ll ask the children to take photographs of themselves, send it to them. In other situations, they’ll ask that they engage in swatting activity,” said Michael Miller.
Experts emphasize that traditional parental controls are necessary but insufficient on their own. “It isn’t enough to put screen time limits in place. It isn’t enough to install parental controls. Moms and dads need to be proactive and maintain an open line of dialogue with their kids on online safety topics, and should do their best to enact and enforce household rules, which will at least somewhat neutralize real threats like 764,” advised Yaron Litwin, a cybersecurity expert. Parents should familiarize themselves with the apps their children use, maintain open communication about online interactions, and establish clear boundaries for internet usage.
Law Enforcement Response
The federal government has begun taking decisive action against the “764” network. The Department of Justice recently arrested two individuals linked to the group, marking the beginning of what will likely be a broader crackdown. The FBI continues to investigate hundreds of subjects tied to these violent online networks, which include numerous offshoot groups operating under various names. Community members are strongly encouraged to report any suspected victimization to their local FBI field office or submit tips through the FBI’s website.
“Absolutely is one of the more disturbing trends that I’ve seen in my FBI career in part because we are dealing with our most vulnerable of populations,” said Ryan Presley.
As the investigation continues to unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that protecting children from online predators requires a coordinated effort between law enforcement, parents, educators, and technology companies. While the FBI works to dismantle the “764” network, parents must remain the frontline defenders of their children’s safety in an increasingly complex digital landscape. President Trump’s administration has prioritized tackling such threats to American families, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and community action in protecting our nation’s youth from those who seek to exploit them.
