764 Child exploitation networks can easily ‘turn children’s screens into traps’, parents warn

brief overview

AI Overview The United Parents of America warns about the 764 Network, an international child exploitation ring. Predators target vulnerable minors through popular gaming platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft. Parents are urged to monitor their children’s online activities and recognize signs of abuse or self-harm.

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Parents’ rights groups are warning that children are being easily manipulated by international child exploitation networks through their favorite mobile apps and encouraging parents to remain vigilant.

The latest edition of the United Parents of America publication “The Lookout” highlights the dangers of the 764 network. The profile, first obtained by The Christian Post, says the FBI describes the 764 Network as an example of “modern American terrorism.”

Predators involved in the network primarily target vulnerable minors between the ages of 8 and 17, gaining access to children’s computer screens through seemingly innocuous gaming platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft. After building a trusting relationship with the victim, they encourage the victim to move their communications to messaging platforms such as Discord and Telegram in order to circumvent safety nets and gain easier access to sexually explicit images of minors.

After accessing sexually explicit content and other personal information, the victim intimidates the victim by threatening to publish infringing content and release personal information unless the victim consents to destructive acts such as self-harm, animal abuse, acts of violence, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, threats of violence, suicide, and death.

“Predators like terrorist organization 764 can easily turn children’s screens into traps,” Ally Mahle, executive director of Parents United of America, said in a statement. “By targeting vulnerable children, this nefarious group uses grooming and intimidation to escalate abuse, including self-harm and sexual exploitation, forcing them to stream online. It’s vital that families know what platforms their children are using, who they’re talking to, and whether sudden changes in behavior indicate something is wrong.”

The 764 network also works to persuade America’s youth to commit acts of violence. In September 2024, a 17-year-old girl based in Vernon, Connecticut, was charged with making a bomb threat against a public school after being persuaded by the 764 network to take part in the action.

In April 2025, the US Department of Justice announced the arrest of two leaders of the 764 Network, Leonidas Varagiannis (21 years old) and Prasan Nepal (20 years old).

According to the affidavit, the pair “compelled the victim to self-harm, subjected the minor to emotional distress and extreme violence,” and “forced the victim to produce degrading and explicit content under threat and manipulation.”

The defendants are accused of forcing minors to make “cut signs” or “blood signs,” in which girls cut symbols on their bodies. The defendants’ crimes reportedly took place over five years starting in 2020.

The Department of Justice characterizes the 764 Network as part of “a network of nihilistic violent extremists who engage in criminal activity in the United States and abroad and seek to destroy civilized society through corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, including minors.”

The FBI recorded a 300% increase in nihilistic violent extremist incidents from September 2024 to September 2025. In May 2025, the FBI opened 250 investigations into the 764 Network. The FBI’s 55 field offices have each handled 764 network-related cases, and the Justice Department has indicted at least 30 people associated with the organization, according to the United Parents of America.

The latest version of The Lookout encourages parents to play the games their kids play on their mobile devices and explore the websites their kids visit.

“Don’t just take their word for it,” warns the United Parents of America. Parents are also encouraged to ban their children from chat rooms and be on the lookout for signs of abuse, such as receiving “unexpected packages” in the mail.

“Members of 764 are known to send razor blades, sexual instruments, gifts, and other materials to children in order to create online content,” the report explains.

Children who fall victim to the 764 network may experience sudden behavioral changes such as “becoming withdrawn, moody or irritable, changes in physical appearance, changes in eating or sleeping habits, withdrawal from activities or becoming more isolated,” the coalition added.

The organization advises parents to monitor their children for signs of self-harm, specifically “patterns, new cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, or other injuries.”

“If your child wears long-sleeved clothing or tries to cover up on a hot day, it may be a sign of self-harm. Be sure to note that self-harm may also occur on other parts of the body, such as the upper arms, thighs, and torso,” added the American Parent Federation.