The FBI has launched more than 250 investigations into a violent online predator network known as “764,” which federal authorities say is manipulating teenagers into committing acts of self-harm, producing explicit content, and even issuing threats of violence.
The group’s tactics, executed through platforms like Discord and Roblox, have triggered alarms across law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Officials warn that “764” is not just a group—it’s a growing ideology bent on chaos, operating in every U.S. state and reaching victims as young as nine.
FBI: ‘One of the most disturbing things we’re seeing’
According to FBI Assistant Director David Scott, the Counterterrorism Division is now leading many of the investigations tied to 764.
“We see a lot of bad things, but this is one of the most disturbing things we’re seeing,” Scott told ABC News.
The network reportedly pushes teens into acts of self-mutilation, harm toward family pets, and sexual exploitation, coercing victims to share photos and videos that are later distributed or used for extortion.
Extremism, abuse, and terror charges
764 is now under scrutiny as a possible domestic terror threat. The FBI and Justice Department refer to the most extreme participants as “nihilistic violent extremists.”
Federal cases tied to the group have led to arrests on charges related to weapons, exploitation, and the possession of child sexual abuse material.
One man, Jairo Tinajero from Arkansas, pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder a 14-year-old girl who had begun resisting him.
He believed this act would elevate his rank within the group. Another, Jack Rocker from Florida, was sentenced to seven years in prison after amassing a collection of more than 8,300 videos and images described by prosecutors as “some of the most horrific, evil content available on the Internet.”
His folders included names like “764,” “kkk-racist,” and “trophies,” which contained photos of victims who had carved his name into their bodies.
Teen drawn into threats and abuse
In Connecticut, a teenage girl once recognized for her academic performance was arrested for conspiring with a member of the 764 network to issue bomb threats in her own community.
Authorities uncovered graphic content on her devices, including evidence of self-harm and materials referencing 764.
According to ABC News, the girl was first contacted on the gaming platform Roblox by a man overseas, who gradually gained her trust and control.
Their conversations moved to Discord, where he coerced her into sharing explicit images and carrying out online attacks.
Her mother, who requested anonymity, told ABC News, “They felt like they owned her.”
As the girl began resisting some demands, her family became the target of repeated swatting incidents. “One time … they had surrounded our whole house,” the mother said.
How parents can protect their children
Scott and Vernon Police Detective Tommy Van Tasel stress that 764 operates more as an ideology than a group, morphing across platforms and aliases to avoid detection.
Van Tasel said, “It doesn’t matter what they’re called… It’s everywhere. It’s in every community.”
Officials urge parents to monitor children’s online activity, watch for behavioral shifts, signs of self-harm, or unusual injuries to pets. “Just be on the lookout for any of those things that are alarming,” Van Tasel told ABC News.
The Connecticut girl is now recovering.
Her mother said she’s “back on track,” attending activities and reconnecting with friends. “Not quite back to where she was when it all began, but she’s getting there.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or exploitation, call 1-800-THE-LOST or text 988 for immediate help.