FBI leaders say more than 300 probes are underway into the violent online network that coerces children into self-harm and exploitation.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Thursday that taking down the “764” network—which grooms and coerces minors on gaming and social media platforms—has become one of the bureau’s highest priorities, with hundreds of active investigations into the criminal acts of the “heinous” group.
Patel said in a Nov. 20 statement that the FBI is fully committed to cracking down on the criminal network. He urged parents to monitor their children’s internet activity more closely to limit opportunities for online predators to harm kids.
This @FBI is fully engaged taking down the heinous “764” network that targets America’s children online. 300+ investigations ongoing across the country as we speak and we’re not stopping.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) November 20, 2025
Parents, please check in with your kids and consider your options on monitoring internet… pic.twitter.com/vrRMqOejA1
“This FBI is fully engaged in taking down the heinous ‘764’ network that targets America’s children online,” Patel said, adding that more than 300 investigations are ongoing across the United States “and we’re not stopping.”
The network, which investigators say began in 2021 with a Texas teenager, is linked to a broader extremist online ecosystem that pushes children toward self-harm, animal abuse, sexual exploitation, and even suicide.
Bongino said in a Thursday statement that agents in the FBI’s Baltimore field office recently arrested an individual accused of targeting at least five minors, including one as young as 13. The suspect is in federal custody, and more details are expected soon.
The Director and I, in conjunction with our employees in the field, have emphasized taking down the “764 network” – and I want to update you on a couple of the latest cases.
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) November 19, 2025
For those who may not know, the 764 Network is a heinous child exploitation ring that often targets…
“This @FBI will keep working day and night to destroy this network. It is a top priority,” Bongino said. “We are making progress, but the work isn’t done.”
In Arizona, authorities recently announced charges against another alleged “764” affiliate who prosecutors say targeted at least nine victims, including those between the ages of 11 and 15. The indictment alleges crimes including child sexual abuse material production and distribution, cyberstalking, animal-crushing content, and even conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.
“This man’s alleged crimes are unthinkably depraved and reflect the horrific danger of 764—if convicted, he will face severe consequences as we work to dismantle this evil network,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “I urge parents to remain vigilant about the threats their children face online.”
Violent Network Targets Vulnerable Children
Federal officials have warned that “764” and related networks operate across social media, gaming platforms, and mobile apps, using manipulation, threats, and blackmail to control victims.
In recent advisories, the FBI described predators who build trust or romantic grooming relationships before escalating to extortion—including threats to share images, “swat” a victim’s home, or publicly dox them.
Victims are typically between ages 10 and 17, though some as young as 9 have been targeted. Many struggle with depression, trauma, or isolation—factors the network exploits to deepen control.
“Some of the violent actors in these online networks are motivated by a desire to cause fear and chaos through their criminal conduct,” the FBI said. “However, motivations are highly individualized, and some threat actors may be engaging in criminal activity solely for sexual gratification, social status or a sense of belonging, or for a mix of other reasons that may not be ideologically motivated.”
Patel and Bongino both stressed that parental oversight remains one of the strongest defenses.
“Parents, please check in with your kids and consider your options on monitoring internet usage to limit what these dangerous actors can reach,” Patel said. “They often target social media and gaming platforms. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement. It can make all the difference.”
How ‘764’ Uses Popular Platforms
The FBI says “764” thrives by infiltrating online spaces where children already gather—especially gaming platforms and youth-oriented chat apps.
According to lawsuits, research findings, and recent investigations, Roblox and Discord are among the platforms where many victims have first encountered “764”-linked predators.
A San Mateo lawsuit filed on Aug. 5 alleges that Roblox and Discord failed to protect a 10-year-old California girl who was targeted, groomed, and kidnapped after a predator first approached her on Roblox and then shifted communication to Discord. The man allegedly posed as a child, built trust over several days, coerced her into sharing her address, and drove more than 250 miles to abduct her.
The complaint claims Roblox and Discord knew that predators “were freely roaming the app looking for vulnerable children” and that both companies lack meaningful age or identity verification.
Roblox and Discord have both defended their safety protocols, with Discord citing new parental controls and Roblox expanding content moderation and restricting the ability of users under the age of 13 to communicate directly with others on the platform.
By Tom Ozimek
