WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FBI has issued an urgent warning to parents across the United States about a violent online network known as “764”, which is actively targeting minors through social media, gaming platforms, and online forums. The group, described by federal authorities as a loosely organized but highly dangerous collective, has been linked to coercion, child exploitation, and psychological manipulation of vulnerable youth.
According to the FBI, members of 764 befriend children online, gain their trust, and then pressure them into producing sexually explicit content, engaging in acts of self-harm, and even harming animals. In some cases, victims have been pushed toward suicide or violent behavior. The group’s tactics include blackmail, threats of exposure, and psychological conditioning—often carried out over weeks or months.
Two alleged leaders of the group, Leonidas Varagiannis (aka “War”) and Prasan Nepal (aka “Trippy”), were arrested earlier this year and charged with operating a global child exploitation enterprise. Despite these arrests, the FBI says the network remains active and dangerous, with investigations underway in all 55 FBI field offices and over 250 individuals under scrutiny.
The group reportedly originated in Texas and has expanded internationally, with victims identified in Canada and Europe. Its ideology has evolved from extremist roots to a nihilistic drive to sow chaos and societal destruction. FBI officials say motivations among members vary—from ideological extremism to sexual gratification and a desire for status within the group.
Supervisory Special Agent Ash Thorne, who oversees the FBI’s domestic terrorism program, described the group’s activities as “terrorizing,” noting that many victims are young girls between the ages of 10 and 17. “We’ve seen children and at-risk individuals commit suicide out of fear,” Thorne said, emphasizing the urgency of public awareness and parental vigilance.
The FBI urges parents to monitor their children’s online activity, use parental controls, and look for warning signs such as sudden mood changes, withdrawal from normal activities, or unexplained injuries. They also recommend reporting any suspicious behavior to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed the bureau’s message: “We will find those who exploit and abuse children, prosecute them, and dismantle every part of their operation.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or dial 988. For cases involving child exploitation, reach out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.
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By: A. Embry, National Reporter, Bee News Daily (c)2025
