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The FBI warns of the 764 network, an extremist group targeting minors via gaming platforms, coercing them into harmful acts. Parents are urged to stay vigilant.
BALTIMORE — The FBI has issued a new warning about a violent extremist group known as the “764” network. According to the agency, the group recruits minors through popular online gaming platforms like Roblox or Minecraft.
Conversations start off casual to build trust, before members lure victims to more private online platforms. Once there, the FBI says members make bigger, more violent requests.
Supervisory Special Agent Nick DeGeorge says he’s seen cases where victims are coerced into live-streaming acts of self-harm, committing acts of animal cruelty, and in some cases pushed to commit suicide or harm others.
“Arson attacks on vulnerable members of society, such as homeless people,” said DeGeorge, “Once part of the group, caught in the web, will manipulate you at will to get you to do some pretty heinous acts.”
DeGeorge says members target victims, often girls, as young as 10 years old. He says they often groom victims who have mental disabilities or have a troubled home life. DeGeorge says members use blackmail as a way to further control their victims.
DeGeorge confirmed there are over a dozen active cases tied to this group in Maryland.
Just this month, 20-year-old Erik Lee Madison, of Baltimore County, was indicted for allegedly coercing three young girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct through the group. Back in April, the FBI’s Washington Field Office announced two arrests connected to the “764” group.
The FBI is urging parents to monitor both behavior and lingo.
Terms linked to the group include:
“The Com” – how members may refer to themselves
“E-girls” – a term used for victims
“Lore Book” – a term used to describe an online collection of images and videos collected from victims.
The FBI says behavior changes may also be a sign of danger, including:
– Sudden violence towards pets or animals
– Evidence of self-harm, including cutting
– Increased isolation or withdrawal
– Secretive online activity
DeGeorge says parents should talk openly with their children about what apps or games their children are using and monitor who their kids communicate with online.
“It’s never too late,” DeGeorge said.
If you believe your child — or any child — may be at risk, the FBI urges you to contact local law enforcement immediately.
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