Online extremist groups exploit and extort minors
International police operations and the FBI have intensified efforts against online extremist groups like '764' that exploit minors, leading to significant arrests and victim rescues in July 2026. As of July 29, 2026, the FBI is investigating over 500 active cases nationwide, while Operation Eclipse in the Americas resulted in 60 arrests and 65 child rescues, and an Ontario investigation led to 63 arrests and 51 identified victims. Alexis Aldair Chavez, a '764' network member, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on July 16, 2026, for racketeering and child exploitation. New legislation, including a Minnesota law effective August 1, 2026, making grooming a felony, and the proposed James T. Woods Act, aims to criminalize sextortion and coercion of children.
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July 2026 — 10 developments
FBI Investigates Over 500 Online Exploitation Cases; New Minnesota Law Targets Grooming
The FBI is investigating over 500 active cases nationwide into violent online networks like '764' that exploit minors. A new Minnesota law, effective August 1, 2026, will make grooming a minor a felony, and the James T. Woods Act aims to criminalize sextortion and coercion of children. These groups use threats and blackmail to coerce victims into producing self-harm, animal cruelty, and explicit content.
International Operations Rescue 65 Children, Lead to 60 Arrests in Child Exploitation Crackdown
An international police operation in the Americas, Operation Eclipse, led to the arrest of 60 individuals and the rescue of 65 child victims. Separately, an investigation in Ontario, Canada, resulted in 63 arrests and the identification of 51 victims of internet child exploitation.
FBI Warns of Increased Child Exploitation by Online Extremist Groups Like '764'
The FBI has issued a warning about a sharp increase in the activity of online extremist groups, such as the '764' network, which exploit vulnerable children. These groups manipulate minors into producing and sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and coerce them into self-harm, violence, and suicide, with the FBI investigating over 500 suspects nationwide.
San Antonio man sentenced to 40 years for role in '764' extremist network
Alexis Aldair Chavez, a member of the '764' network, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for racketeering and sexual exploitation of children. This sentencing is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the international child exploitation enterprise. Chavez was based in San Antonio and targeted minors using manipulation and threats.
International investigation targets website linked to child abuse material ring and '764' network
Police in Hampshire, UK, and US authorities are investigating a website linked to a global child abuse material ring and the degradation of women, leading to arrests and the seizure of over 1 million indecent images of children. This investigation is part of broader efforts to combat online exploitation, including by groups like '764.'
International Operation Leads to 28 Arrests in Child Sexual Exploitation Crackdown
An international operation targeting child sexual exploitation, spanning late May to mid-June 2026, resulted in 28 arrests and the safeguarding of three children. Authorities from Canada, Czechia, Germany, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland, supported by Europol, seized over 460 items, including electronic devices and cryptocurrency wallets. Cryptocurrency is believed to have been used to access dark web forums where child sexual abuse material was exchanged.
Philippines Rescues 24 Minors Recruited by '764' Network Via Online Games
In July 2026, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) in the Philippines confirmed that the '764' network has been recruiting Filipino minors through online games, leading to the rescue of 24 children. The Department of Justice in the Philippines is also pushing for legislation specifically addressing nihilistic violent extremism.
Philippine Senator Links Extremist '764' Network to Fatal School Shooting
A Philippine senator has suggested a link between the '764' extremist network and a fatal school shooting in Tacloban City, which could be the first completed mass shooting attributed to the group. This follows a global operation in June 2026 that resulted in over 1000 arrests and the identification of over 2000 victims of human trafficking, including 162 children.
Extremist '764' network linked to Philippines school shooting, authorities warn
Authorities are investigating potential links between the '764' extremist network and perpetrators of a June 2026 school shooting in the Philippines, where suspects wore shirts bearing the group's name. The FBI has designated '764' as a national security threat, with over 250 open investigations nationwide and several arrests made. The network has been active since 2021, exploiting minors globally through online games and chatrooms.
FBI, NYPD Warn of '764' Network Targeting Children; Designated Terror Group
The FBI and NYPD have issued warnings about the online extremist network '764,' which targets children with violence and sextortion. Philippine authorities rescued 24 minors linked to the 'True Crime Community,' a subculture associated with '764.' The network has been designated a national security threat by the U.S. Department of Justice and a terrorist group by Canada and New Zealand.
June 2026 — 8 developments
Online extremist groups increasingly use AI to create child abuse material for blackmail
ISD Global reports that the '764' network is increasingly using generative artificial intelligence (GAI) to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM) for blackmail. This trend has been observed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). The report highlights the evolving threat posed by these international networks.
Australian and US Authorities Arrest Multiple Individuals in Child Exploitation Ring '764' Investigations
Australian authorities arrested and charged a 28-year-old man on June 25, 2026, for child grooming and possessing child abuse material, with evidence found on electronic devices. In a separate operation in mid-June 2026, seven men were arrested in Massachusetts as part of an FBI investigation into human trafficking and child sexual exploitation, with over 250 investigations linked to the '764' network.
Extremist group '764' linked to child exploitation via Roblox in Newfoundland
The RNC in Newfoundland and Labrador believes the extremist group '764' recently contacted a local child through the online gaming platform Roblox. This group is known to lure children to unmonitored messaging apps for coercion, highlighting Roblox's increasing citation as a point of contact for online child exploitation.
Former Coach Arrested on Child Grooming Charges Amid Global Crackdown on Sextortion Networks
A former Little Miss Kickball coach was arrested in June 2026 on child grooming and online solicitation charges. This arrest highlights ongoing international efforts against sextortion networks like '764', a decentralized extremist group originating in Texas that focuses on grooming minors for self-harm and other exploitative acts.
Man charged with grooming in Australia; couple sentenced in US; AI abuse case in Canada; Nigeria study released
In Australia, NSW Police charged a man with child grooming offenses in May 2026. In June 2026, a Missouri couple was sentenced for grooming and sexually abusing a teenager, while two boys in Canada were charged with using AI to create explicit images of classmates. A UNICEF study also highlighted growing risks of online sexual abuse for children in Nigeria.
Erik Lee Madison sentenced to 30 years for role in '764' extremist network
Erik Lee Madison was sentenced to 30 years in prison in June 2026 for his role in the violent online extremist group "764," which targets and exploits minors globally. The group, originating in Texas, has been linked to sextortion, online grooming, and increasingly violent, on-the-ground tactics, including a disrupted mall attack plot and an arson spree.
RCMP Investigating '764' Group for Alleged Child Grooming in Three New Cases
West Shore RCMP announced on June 10, 2026, that they are investigating three cases of children allegedly being targeted by the online group '764'. The group is known for grooming and coercing children into self-harm and other violent acts, and is part of a larger network called 'The COM'.
Europol Identifies 12 Children in Operation Against '764' Exploitation Network
Europol's Victim Identification Taskforce identified 12 children during an operation in April 2026 targeting the '764' network, generating over 200 leads for national authorities. This operation is part of a global effort to combat the network, which exploits minors through sextortion and coerces them into self-harm and suicide.
May 2026 — 1 developments
FBI Investigates '764' Network Exploiting Minors, Classifies as Tier One Threat
The FBI is investigating the decentralized, international network '764', which exploits minors and vulnerable individuals online through threats and manipulation, classifying it as a 'tier one' threat. In February 2026, federal authorities arrested two men in California connected to the group, which coerces victims into producing or sharing explicit material, engaging in self-harm, animal cruelty, or suicide.
April 2026 — 17 developments
Neo-Nazi Network '764' Recruits Minors for Violent Acts and Sextortion
The neo-Nazi network '764' is reportedly targeting young adolescents online for recruitment, encouraging them to engage in violent acts, including sextortion. The group is also linked to promoting self-harm, suicide, mass killings, and animal abuse, with investigations ongoing across all FBI field offices in the United States.
International operation leads to 60 arrests and rescue of 65 child victims targeting online exploitation rings
A year-long international police operation has resulted in 60 arrests and the identification and rescue of 65 child victims, targeting online child sexual exploitation rings including the '764' network. Law enforcement agencies globally are working to combat the group's activities, with investigations suggesting the network emerged in 2021 from the CVLT network and operates on platforms like Discord, Telegram, Roblox, and Minecraft.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse Charges Linked to Extremist Group '764'
A Maryland man pleaded guilty to federal child sexual abuse charges linked to the violent extremist group '764'. Two alleged leaders of the '764' network were also arrested and charged with directing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
Canadian Police Report 350% Increase in Online Child Exploitation, Link '764' Group to Violence
Canadian police reported a nearly 350% increase in online child sexual exploitation incidents over a ten-year period. Law enforcement agencies have identified '764' as a network of nihilistic violent extremists aiming to cause societal collapse through the exploitation of vulnerable populations, including minors, linking the group to acts of violence such as bomb threats and animal cruelty.
Justice Department announces nationwide arrests, charges against '764' extremist group for child exploitation
The Justice Department announced nationwide arrests and charges against individuals involved in online child exploitation schemes, including leaders and members of the extremist group '764'. These charges include racketeering and sexual exploitation, with arrests made in Maryland, Texas, and Florida.
Adelaide Man Charged with Online Grooming and Selling Child Abuse Material
An Adelaide man was charged in April 2026 with online grooming and selling child abuse material, allegedly coercing a teenager into creating such content. This case is part of a broader concern about online child exploitation beyond the "764" network, which is described as a violent online extremist group internationally targeting children through grooming and coercion into creating explicit content for blackmail.
Canadian man charged with terrorism over online grooming network 764
A man in Quebec has been charged with terrorism offenses for allegedly promoting the ideology of the "764" network and attempting to recruit teenagers online. An associate of the "764" network was also charged with multiple counts of child exploitation, coercion, and cyberstalking, while a member pleaded guilty to racketeering and child exploitation charges.
FBI and Atlanta Police warn about extremist group 764's activities, investigating five cases
The FBI and Atlanta Police Department have issued warnings about the extremist group 764's activities, with Atlanta police investigating five cases linked to the group. Incidents in Atlanta have included bomb threats and animal cruelty, with graffiti related to "764" found at crime scenes. The group targets vulnerable children, sometimes as young as 9 years old, using manipulation, blackmail, and threats to coerce them into producing child sexual abuse material, self-harm, and animal cruelty.
FBI warns of global online sextortion group '764' targeting minors, 450+ cases nationwide
The FBI has issued a warning about the global online sextortion and violent extremist group '764' that targets minors, with over 450 cases nationwide under investigation. Recent developments include a Michigan man sentenced to 40 years for exploiting children, a Dutch man receiving a 10-year sentence for sextortion, and an Arunachal Pradesh police rescue of a teenager from online grooming. The UN also warned of escalating AI threats to children, including fake explicit images.
Virginia Man Sentenced to 156 Months for Online Child Exploitation via Discord
A man in Virginia was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison for sexually exploiting children online, admitting to using Discord to purchase content from underage girls. This case is related to broader investigations into online child abuse networks like "764."
FBI investigates '764' network for domestic terrorism, targeting vulnerable individuals
The FBI is investigating the '764' network, now described as a nihilistic violent extremist group linked to domestic terrorism, with over 450 cases currently under investigation nationwide. This network targets vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, through manipulation and coercion, leading to cases across North America.
Alexis Aldair Chavez Pleads Guilty to Racketeering and Child Exploitation Charges
In March 2026, Alexis Aldair Chavez pleaded guilty to racketeering and child exploitation charges as a leader within a subgroup related to the '764' network. In April 2025, alleged leaders Leonidas Varagiannis and Prasan Nepal were arrested and charged with operating an international child exploitation enterprise. The FBI is investigating the '764' group for its alleged involvement in a sextortion ring targeting minors.
Federal Authorities Arrest Matthew Pysher and Bryant Gonzalez for Sextortion and Child Exploitation
Federal authorities arrested Matthew Edward Pysher and Bryant Najera Gonzalez, alleged members of the '764' sextortion network, with Pysher accused of sexually assaulting a minor and Gonzalez of coercing minors to create CSAM. The FBI also warned of the network's use of cybercriminal tactics like SIM swapping and IP grabbing to commit violent crimes.
European Commission Investigates Snapchat Over Child Exploitation Concerns
The European Commission is investigating Snapchat due to concerns about children's exposure to grooming and sexual exploitation on the platform. This follows an FBI warning about the '764' network, which exploits children for sexual abuse material and violent acts. A report released on March 18, 2026, indicates a 14% surge in AI-generated child sexual abuse material online during 2025.
FBI investigates 250 individuals linked to '764' network amid surge in CyberTipline reports
The FBI is investigating 250 individuals linked to the '764' network, a decrease from previous figures. In 2024, CyberTipline reports connected to groups like '764' saw a more than 200% increase from 2023. Child protection advocates are calling for increased action due to a global rise in technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse of children, with AI-generated child sexual abuse material increasing by 14% in 2025.
FBI investigates 350 individuals linked to '764' online child exploitation networks
The FBI is investigating over 350 individuals nationwide tied to violent online networks known as '764,' which coerce children into producing and sharing harmful content through threats and manipulation. In March 2026, an international police operation "Operation Eclipse" resulted in 60 arrests for child sexual offenses and the rescue of 65 child victims across nine countries. In February 2026, a Norwegian girl was reportedly exploited by four leaders of the '764' network, with two identified in England and Israel, and one arrested.
International Operation Shuts Down Child Exploitation Platform Kidflix, 79 Arrested
An international operation involving over 35 countries has shut down "Kidflix," a global child sexual exploitation platform, resulting in 79 arrests and the identification of nearly 1,400 suspects. The FBI is investigating the "764" network, a nihilistic extremist group that grooms and extorts minors into self-harm and sexual activity.
March 2026 — 1 developments
Erik Lee Madison Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of 10 Girls
Erik Lee Madison pleaded guilty in March 2026 to the sexual exploitation of at least 10 girls, forcing them to create content and harm themselves, and was identified as a member of the '764' network. This plea follows earlier developments in February 2026, including a peace bond issued by the RCMP on a youth in New Brunswick and charges against a Pennsylvanian member for raping a 13-year-old girl.
February 2026 — 5 developments
Europol-coordinated operation arrests 30, identifies 179 suspects in 'The Com' cybercrime ring
A Europol-coordinated operation in February 2026 led to 30 arrests and identified 179 suspects linked to 'The Com,' an online cybercrime collective that includes the subgroup '764,' known for grooming and extorting minors. In May 2025, two alleged leaders of '764,' Leonidas Varagiannis and Prasan Nepal, were arrested and charged for their roles in facilitating the exploitation of minors.
Baron Cain Martin indicted on 29 federal counts for alleged extremist grooming guide
Baron Cain Martin, an alleged leader of the violent online extremist network '764', faces 29 federal counts for allegedly authoring a guide on grooming and extorting juvenile victims, particularly those with mental health issues. The indictment claims the guide instructed members on how to blackmail victims for extreme violence and self-mutilation videos.
Matthew Pysher arrested, federally charged for grooming 13-year-old girl
Matthew Edward Pysher, 18, was arrested and federally charged for allegedly grooming a 13-year-old girl to send him explicit material and self-harm images, and luring her to a motel. The FBI is investigating over 450 similar cases nationwide, indicating a rapidly growing threat associated with the '764' network.
FBI investigates 250 individuals linked to '764' group; RCMP places youth on peace bond
The FBI has opened investigations into 250 individuals affiliated with the online group '764', which exploits minors and encourages self-harm. In a separate development, a youth in New Brunswick was placed on a peace bond after ties to the '764 Network' were revealed by the RCMP, who allege the youth promoted the group's violent ideology and recruitment efforts.
FBI classifies '764' sextortion cult targeting minors as 'tier one' threat
Federal authorities expressed significant concern over the rise of the global '764' sextortion cult, which targets minors and engages in torture, with the FBI classifying it as a 'tier one' threat. [cite: Source URL]
January 2026 — 1 developments
DHS identifies '764' as frequently mentioned 'Com' network with child peer-on-peer crimes
The Department of Homeland Security highlighted '764' as one of the most frequently mentioned 'Com' networks, noting its creation in 2021 and the emergence of many subgroups under its umbrella. The report emphasized that these communities often involve peer-on-peer crimes among children.
December 2025 — 3 developments
FBI investigates 350 individuals, arrests two leaders of '764' network
The FBI is now investigating over 350 individuals connected to the '764' network, an online group that coerces minors into violence, self-harm, and sexual exploitation. Two alleged leaders of the network, Leonidas Varagiannis and Prasan Nepal, have been arrested and charged.
FBI labels '764' online exploitation of children as 'modern-day terrorism'
The FBI referred to '764' as a 'new form of modern-day terrorism' targeting children online, exploiting them for violent and sexual content, and blackmailing them into self-mutilation or other violent acts, often streamed online.
Canada Designates '764' and 'Maniac Murder Cult' as Terrorist Entities
Canada officially designated '764' and the 'Maniac Murder Cult' as terrorist entities, citing growing international concern over Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE). New Zealand also took similar action against related groups.
November 2025 — 1 developments
764 Members Erik Lee Madison Charged, Alexis Aldair Chavez Pleads Guilty in Child Exploitation Cases
Erik Lee Madison, a member of the violent extremist network '764', has been charged with multiple counts including sexual exploitation of a child and cyberstalking. Additionally, Alexis Aldair Chavez, another member of '764', has pleaded guilty to racketeering activity and charges related to the sexual exploitation of children.
May 2025 — 2 developments
FBI opens 250 investigations into '764' child exploitation group; leaders arrested
The FBI opened investigations into 250 individuals affiliated with the online group '764' in May 2025, which exploits and coerces minors into creating explicit material and engaging in self-harm. In April 2025, alleged leaders Leonidas Varagiannis and Prasan Nepal were arrested and charged with operating an international child exploitation enterprise known as '764 Inferno.' The group has been noted for using cybercriminal tactics like SIM swapping and IP grabbing to commit violent crimes.
FBI investigates 250 individuals linked to '764' network across all 55 field offices
The FBI revealed it was investigating 250 individuals affiliated with '764' and similar networks, with all 55 field offices involved. The agency warned of the network's violent, predatory behavior targeting vulnerable individuals.
April 2025 — 1 developments
Leonidas Varagiannis and Prasan Nepal arrested for child exploitation enterprise
Leonidas Varagiannis and Prasan Nepal, identified as leaders of a '764' subgroup called '764 Inferno', were arrested and charged with operating an international child exploitation enterprise. They allegedly directed victims to commit self-harm and engaged in extreme violence.
March 2025 — 1 developments
Canadian Police Arrest 14-Year-Old in First Official '764' Terror Case
Canadian police identified the first official '764' case in Canada, arresting a 14-year-old. The RCMP began to consider '764' a terror threat, noting its members prowl popular platforms to lure minors into private groups for exploitation and self-harm.
August 2024 — 1 developments
Senator Warner presses Discord on minor safety and predatory groups after FBI bulletin
U.S. Senator Mark Warner pressed Discord about its failure to safeguard minors and prevent the proliferation of violent predatory groups, in response to the FBI's bulletin on '764'.
July 2024 — 1 developments
RCMP warns parents about online groups like '764' after child targeting tip
The RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador issued a news release warning parents about online groups, including '764', after an anonymous tip about a child being targeted.
May 2024 — 1 developments
Canada designates extremist network 764 as terrorist entity
Canada has become the first country to designate the '764 network' as a terrorist entity. This decentralized group of violent extremists targets and exploits minors online, using platforms like Discord and Roblox to groom children and coerce them into creating explicit material or engaging in self-harm and violence. The FBI is investigating the network.
January 2024 — 1 developments
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline reports 200% increase in '764' group incidents
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline received over 1,300 reports connected to groups like '764', a more than 200% increase from the previous year, indicating a significant rise in reported incidents.
September 2023 — 1 developments
FBI Issues First Public Bulletin Warning About '764' Network, Classifies as 'Tier One' Threat
The FBI issued its first public bulletin warning about the '764' network, classifying it as a 'tier one' threat due to its potential impact on national and economic security.
January 2023 — 1 developments
764 founder Bradley Chance Cadenhead sentenced to 80 years in prison
Bradley Chance Cadenhead, the founder of '764', was arrested and sentenced to 80 years in prison. However, the network continued to operate with other individuals taking leadership roles.
January 2021 — 2 developments
Discord identifies '764' users, reports them to law enforcement, invests in moderation tools
Discord identified '764' and its users, reporting them to law enforcement. The platform has since invested in moderation tools and techniques to disrupt the group's activities.
Bradley Cadenhead founded '764' network, engaged in sextortion and CSAM distribution
The '764' network emerged, founded by then-15-year-old Bradley Cadenhead, who learned exploitation techniques on a Discord server. The group initially focused on sextortion and distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), drawing inspiration from earlier networks like 'CVLT'.