FBI Warns of Disturbing Online Network Targeting Youth
TAMPA, Fla. — A disturbing new threat, dubbed “764,” is under investigation by the FBI and has alarmed veteran agents. This sinister online network preys on children through social media and gaming platforms, luring them into a web of grooming and child exploitation.
Supervisory Special Agent Michelle Nicolet and Special Agent Steven Thames recently discussed the severity of this issue, revealing the traumatic impact it has had on victims. Agents reported that network members escalate manipulation to the point of demanding children create their own explicit content under threat of violence or extortion. “We’ve seen children engage in self-harm and even suicide while live streaming,” Nicolet warned.
“764” has become a nationwide threat, with the FBI linking them to cases across all 55 field offices, including Florida. Recently, an 18-year-old from Kentucky made a bomb threat that was traced back to the network. In a significant case this year, 19-year-old Jack Rocker of South Tampa was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for possessing over 8,300 disturbing images and videos depicting child abuse.
According to investigators, Rocker immersed himself in “764” as a minor, showcasing how the network not only exploits victims but also recruits them. Rocker’s disturbing collection included files labeled with terms like “child-gore” and “rape.”
Authorities categorize “764” not just as a criminal operation, but as a terroristic entity, seeking power and chaos rather than financial gain. “They target the most vulnerable to collapse societal norms,” Thames added. The FBI continues to urge vigilance among parents, highlighting the critical need for awareness in safeguarding children from these predatory networks.
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