PSN SPECIAL REPORT: 764 operating in the USA

What to Know About the Online Network “764”

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Federal authorities have identified “764” as a nihilistic, online-first extremist network involved in grooming, sextortion, and violent content trading. In April 2025, the DOJ charged two alleged leaders—one in North Carolina and one in Greece—with running “764 Inferno,” a global exploitation cell. The FBI says there are over 250 active cases across all 55 field offices, underscoring its nationwide impact. Parents and schools are urged to watch for online secrecy and coercive “challenges,” and to report threats through the NCMEC CyberTipline or FBI tips.

The Story

What is “764”?

“764” is a loose, online-first network of nihilistic, accelerationist extremists. Authorities say members use social and chat platforms to befriend and manipulate vulnerable people—especially teens—and trade “status” by sharing violent, abusive content. The group frequently rebrands and operates across multiple platforms.

Why this matters now

Recent federal cases allege that leaders of a core subgroup (“764 Inferno”) coordinated exploitation and coercion online. The FBI reports that investigations are ongoing in field offices across the nation. While much activity is online, the harm is real-world and severe.

How victims are targeted

  • Grooming & befriending: Contact often starts in gaming, chat, or social apps. Predators look for vulnerability (loneliness, self-harm posts, mental-health struggles).

  • Sextortion & coercion: Perpetrators pressure targets to share images, then escalate demands using threats ("do X or we share this").

  • Isolation: Abusers push victims to keep secrets and move conversations off-platform.

  • Desensitization: They normalize violence and self-harm to reduce resistance.

Red flags for families & schools

  • Sudden secrecy around devices; new online “friends” who insist on privacy or switching apps.

  • Requests for photos; talk of “tasks,” “challenges,” or “recruitment.”

  • Evidence of self‑harm, cruelty to animals, or pressure to harm others.

  • Nighttime messaging spikes; mood changes; covering up arms/legs in hot weather.

What to do (immediate steps)

  1. If anyone is in danger, call 911.

  2. Preserve evidence: Don’t confront the abuser directly. Save chats, usernames, links, screenshots, and timestamps.

  3. Report it: File a CyberTip (NCMEC). You can also submit a tip to the FBI.

  4. Get support: Engage with school counselors and local victim services resources. Reassure the child that help is available and they are not at fault.

Reporting & resources (U.S.)

  • NCMEC CyberTipline: report.cybertip.org · 1‑800‑THE‑LOST (1‑800‑843‑5678)

  • FBI tips: tips.fbi.gov

  • If it’s an emergency: 911

     

    The Lesson: Online Safety & Exploitation Awareness

“764” is an extremist online network that grooms and exploits vulnerable people through gaming and chat apps. Tactics include sextortion, coercive challenges, and pressuring victims to keep secrets. Red flags: sudden secrecy online, new “friends,” requests for photos, threats, or mood changes. If suspected, do not confront abusers—preserve evidence and support the victim. Always report through trusted channels.