FBI agents across all 56 field offices are investigating a sinister neo-Nazi network called “764” that’s coercing children into self-harm, creating violent content, and even setting themselves on fire as part of online exploitation schemes.
Key Takeaways
- The “764” network is a decentralized group promoting neo-Nazi and satanic ideologies that targets children on popular platforms like Roblox, Discord, TikTok, and Instagram.
- FBI is investigating at least 250 incidents related to this network, with predators manipulating children into creating violent or sexual content for extortion purposes.
- Children are being coerced into self-harm, including self-mutilation and setting themselves on fire, with perpetrators demanding photos and videos as proof.
- Parents should monitor online activity, maintain open communication about internet safety, and watch for warning signs like secretive behavior or sudden interest in extremist content.
- The FBI describes this as one of the most disturbing trends they’ve encountered because it targets vulnerable children and aims to “degrade or destroy our society.”
Understanding the “764” Threat
The FBI has uncovered a disturbing online network operating since approximately 2021 that represents a severe threat to children across America. This group, known as “764,” operates through a sophisticated and decentralized structure across social media and gaming platforms that are popular with children. The organization has deep ties to extremist ideologies and employs psychological manipulation tactics to exploit vulnerable minors, coercing them into increasingly dangerous behaviors as part of their recruitment and control process.
“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 scope of this investigation is massive, reflecting the serious nature of the threat. “The FBI is investigating at least 250 subjects who are tied to violent online networks commonly referred to as ‘764’ but includes many offshoot networks and names,” according to the FBI. The network operates on platforms children frequently use, including Roblox, Discord, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and X, making virtually no online space safe without proper supervision.
How Predators Operate and Manipulate
The predators within the “764” network employ sophisticated psychological tactics to manipulate their young victims. These include love bombing, creating fake online relationships, and gradually isolating children from their support networks. What begins as seemingly innocent online friendships quickly escalates to coercion and blackmail. The group encourages increasingly harmful behaviors, with self-mutilation and even suicide being promoted as twisted “rites of passage” within the community.
“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 agents investigating these cases have been disturbed by the extreme tactics used. “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.
The predators don’t stop at manipulating children into harming themselves – they demand evidence. “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.
Warning Signs and Parental Response Strategies
Parents need to be vigilant for signs that their child may be interacting with the “764” network or similar online predators. Key warning signs include increased secrecy about online activities, sudden romantic interests with people they’ve never met in person, unusual meme usage featuring satanic or extremist symbols, and most alarmingly, evidence of self-harm. Children may become withdrawn, defensive about their phone or computer usage, or exhibit sudden behavioral changes that seem out of character.
“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,” said Yaron Litwin
Rather than reacting with panic or anger, which can drive children further away, parents should approach these situations with calm concern. Establishing open communication about online activities before problems arise is crucial. Regular discussions about internet safety, appropriate content, and the tactics predators use to manipulate children should be part of family conversations. Implementing parental controls on devices, setting clear boundaries for online behavior, and monitoring app usage are all important protective measures that can help shield children from these dangerous influences.
The Growing Threat and Law Enforcement Response
The FBI reports a significant increase in cases related to the “764” network since 2022, with the Department of Justice recently making arrests of individuals connected to the group. All 56 FBI field offices are now involved in investigating this threat, demonstrating the nationwide scope of the problem. The Bureau is actively working to raise awareness about this issue while pursuing those responsible for exploiting children through this network. Community members are strongly encouraged to report any signs of victimization directly to the FBI.
As more children have access to smartphones, tablets, and computers at younger ages, the threat posed by online predators continues to grow. While technology offers many benefits, it also creates vulnerabilities that groups like “764” eagerly exploit. The responsibility falls on parents, educators, and communities to protect children by staying informed about these threats and taking proactive measures to ensure online safety. President Trump’s administration has consistently advocated for stronger protections for children online, and this case highlights why such measures are urgently needed.
