FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Thursday that taking down the "764" network—which grooms and coerces minors on gaming and social media platforms—has become one of the bureau’s highest priorities, with hundreds of active investigations into the criminal acts of the "heinous" group.
“This FBI is fully engaged in taking down the heinous ‘764’ network that targets America’s children online,” Patel said, adding that more than 300 investigations are ongoing across the United States "and we’re not stopping.”
The network, which investigators say began in 2021 with a Texas teenager, is linked to a broader extremist online ecosystem that pushes children toward self-harm, animal abuse, sexual exploitation, and even suicide.
"This @FBI will keep working day and night to destroy this network. It is a top priority," Bongino said. "We are making progress, but the work isn’t done."
In Arizona, authorities recently announced charges against another alleged "764" affiliate who prosecutors say targeted at least nine victims, including those between the ages of 11 and 15. The indictment alleges crimes including child sexual abuse material production and distribution, cyberstalking, animal-crushing content, and even conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.
Violent Network Targets Vulnerable Children
Federal officials have warned that "764" and related networks operate across social media, gaming platforms, and mobile apps, using manipulation, threats, and blackmail to control victims.Victims are typically between ages 10 and 17, though some as young as 9 have been targeted. Many struggle with depression, trauma, or isolation—factors the network exploits to deepen control.
“Some of the violent actors in these online networks are motivated by a desire to cause fear and chaos through their criminal conduct,” the FBI said. “However, motivations are highly individualized, and some threat actors may be engaging in criminal activity solely for sexual gratification, social status or a sense of belonging, or for a mix of other reasons that may not be ideologically motivated.”
Patel and Bongino both stressed that parental oversight remains one of the strongest defenses.
How '764' Uses Popular Platforms
The FBI says "764" thrives by infiltrating online spaces where children already gather—especially gaming platforms and youth-oriented chat apps.According to lawsuits, research findings, and recent investigations, Roblox and Discord are among the platforms where many victims have first encountered "764"-linked predators.
The complaint claims Roblox and Discord knew that predators “were freely roaming the app looking for vulnerable children” and that both companies lack meaningful age or identity verification.