FBI probes ‘764’ network targeting minors in investigation of over 350 subjects

The FBI launched an investigation into the violent online network known as “764,” and the bureau investigated more than 350 matters, Fox News has learned.

In a statement, the FBI described 764 as a “loosely organized” online network that coerces minors and other vulnerable individuals into acts of violence, self-harm and sexual exploitation.

“The FBI remains concerned about these loose networks of violent predators who befriend minors and other vulnerable individuals through popular online platforms and then coerce them into escalating sexual and violent behavior, forcing victims to create graphic content, engage in child sexual abuse material (CSAM), harm family pets, cut themselves with sharp objects, or attempt suicide. Some of these predators even watch livestreamed self-harm and other violent content,” the bureau said in a statement to Fox News. he said.

As part of the FBI’s efforts to counter the violent online network, the bureau is providing training to personnel in all field offices. Additionally, the bureau said it was working with law enforcement at home and abroad to identify alleged perpetrators and “hold them accountable.”

DOJ CRUSHES ‘GREGGY CULT’ CHILD EXPLOITATION NETWORK THAT ALLEGEDLY FORCES CHILDREN TO SELF-HARM

U.S. Attorney’s Office DC In April, he announced the arrest and indictment of two so-called leaders of the 764. Leonidas Varagiannis, also known as “War”, a US citizen residing in Greece, and Prasan Nepal, also known as “Trippy”, from North Carolina, were indicted for alleged attempted international child exploitation. The duo face life imprisonment if convicted.

“These defendants are accused of orchestrating one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises we have ever encountered – a network built on terrorism, harassment, and the intentional targeting of children,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement announcing the arrests of Varagiannis and Nepal. he said. “We will find those who exploit and abuse children, we will prosecute them, and we will dismantle every part of their operations.”

The FBI has launched an extensive investigation into the violent online network known as “764.” (Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)

FBI TARGETS DANGEROUS ONLINE ‘764’ NETWORKS INCLUDING AFFILIATES ALLEGEDLY TRAINING CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS AS 11 YEARS OLD

In August, the FBI’s Los Angeles field office announced the arrest of a suspected 764 member.

The suspect, 27-year-old Dong Hwan Kim, was accused by several underage women of forcing them to send him videos and photos showing them engaging in sexual acts. According to FBI Los Angeles. After persuading underage girls to prepare child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Kim allegedly demanded that they send more sexually explicit content and threatened to send nude photos to the victims’ family and others or post them online.

The FBI Los Angeles field office stated that during the search, agents found numerous CSAM videos and photographs in the suspect’s possession, as well as evidence that he had shared the content with others. Kim was charged with possession of child pornography and faced up to 20 years in federal prison.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and ranking member Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., hear testimony from FBI Director Kash Patel during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation” in the Hart building on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)

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On Dec. 9, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ranking Member Dick Durbin, D-Ill., introduced three bills targeting criminal laws, violent online criminal networks and child extortion.

One of the bills, known as the Ending Child Coercion and Online Harm Act (ECCHO Act), would create a “life imprisonment sentence if the crime involves the actual suicide or attempted suicide of the victim or the death of another person, as well as a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for harmful conduct that does not involve death.” according to a statement From Grassley’s office.

In addition to the ECCHO Act, senators also introduced the Punishment of Exploitation Act (SAFE Act) and the Stop Sexual Extortion Act. The SAFE Act aims to change sentencing rules for CSAM to “take into account modern indicators of particularly dangerous behavior.” The Stop Sextortion Act would target criminals who “threaten to distribute CSAM to intimidate, blackmail or coerce children.” According to the bill, the maximum penalty for these crimes will be increased from 5 to 10 years.