Parents warned that 764 child exploitation network can easily 'turn a kid’s screen into a trap'
Quick Summary
- American Parents Coalition warns about the 764 network, an international child exploitation organization.
- Predators target vulnerable minors through popular gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft.
- Parents are urged to monitor children's online activities and recognize signs of abuse or self-harm.
A parental advocacy group is encouraging parents to remain vigilant, warning that children are being easily manipulated by an international child exploitation network through their favorite mobile apps.
The latest edition of the American Parents Coalition’s publication, "The Lookout," highlights the dangers of the 764 network. The profile, obtained first by The Christian Post, notes that the FBI has described the 764 network as an example of “modern-day terrorism in America.”
Predators involved with the network, who primarily target vulnerable minors between the ages of 8 and 17, gain access to children’s computer screens through seemingly harmless gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. After establishing trust with victims, the predators encourage them to move their communications to messaging platforms such as Discord and Telegram in an effort to skirt safeguards and make it easier to gain access to sexually explicit images of the minors.
After gaining access to sexually explicit material and other personal information, predators blackmail the victims by threatening to release the compromising content and doxx them unless they agree to engage in destructive behavior such as self-mutilation, cruelty to animals, acts of violence, sexually exploitation of siblings and others, making threats of violence, suicide and murder.
“Predators like the terrorist organization 764, can easily turn a kid’s screen into a trap,” said American Parents Coalition Executive Director Alleigh Marre in a statement. “By targeting vulnerable children, this nefarious group uses grooming and blackmail to force escalating abuse, including self-harm and sexual exploitation that can then be streamed online. It is absolutely vital that families know what platforms their kids use, who they are talking to, and when sudden behavior changes signal something is wrong.”
The 764 network also works to convince American 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 the 764 network convinced her to engage in that course of action.
In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of two leaders in the 764 network: Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, and Prasan Nepal, 20.
The two allegedly “ordered their victims to commit acts of self-harm and engaged in psychological torment and extreme violence against minors” by “coercing them into producing degrading and explicit content under threat and manipulation," according to an affidavit.
The defendants allegedly forced minors to create “cut signs” and “blood signs” where young girls cut symbols into their bodies. The defendants’ crimes reportedly took place over five years, dating back to 2020.
The DOJ characterizes the 764 network as part of a “network of nihilistic violent extremists who engage in criminal conduct in the United States and abroad, seeking to destroy civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, which often include minors.”
The FBI has recorded a 300% increase in nihilistic violent extremist cases from September 2024 to September 2025. In May 2025, the FBI opened 250 investigations into the 764 network. Each of the FBI’s 55 field offices has handled 764 network-related cases, with the DOJ charging at least 30 people with ties to the organization, according to the American Parents Coalition.
The latest edition of "The Lookout" urges parents to play the games their children play on their mobile devices and explore the websites they visit.
“Don’t take their word for it,” the American Parents Coalition warns. Parents are also encouraged to prohibit their children from entering chatrooms and keep an eye out for signs of abuse, which include the arrival of “unexpected packages” in the mail.
“Members of 764 are known to send children razorblades, sexual devices, gifts, and other materials to send in creating online content," the report explains.
Children victimized by the 764 network may experience sudden behavioral shifts that may include “becoming withdrawn, moody, or irritable, changes in appearance, changes in eating or sleeping habits, dropping out of activities, or becoming more isolated," the coalition adds.
The group advises parents to monitor their children for signs of self-harm, specifically “patterns, fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, or other wounds.”
“If a child is wearing long-sleeved clothing or trying to cover up their body on hot days, that could be a sign of self-harm. Make sure to be aware of other areas on the body of self-harm: upper arms, thighs, torso, etc,” the American Parents Coalition added.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com
