FBI Alerts Families to a Growing Online Safety Concern

Authorities say they are increasing efforts to identify suspects and notify families about potential risks.

Federal authorities say they have intensified efforts to dismantle the so-called 764 Network, a violent online child exploitation ring that investigators say targets minors and coerces them into acts of self harm, sexual abuse, animal abuse and other serious crimes. The FBI says more than 300 investigations connected to the network are underway across the country.

The warning came in a statement from FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, who said the agency has made the investigation one of its highest priorities. Bongino said agents in multiple states are conducting active cases tied to the organization, which he described as a major but underreported threat to children.

Bongino said one recent case came out of the FBI’s Baltimore field office, where investigators worked with law enforcement partners to arrest an individual accused of targeting five victims. One of the alleged victims was 13 years old. The suspect is now in federal custody and additional details are expected to be released.

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In Arizona, a separate indictment alleges that an individual affiliated with the 764 Network targeted nine victims between the ages of 11 and 15. Court documents outline accusations of distributing child sexual abuse material, cyberstalking, animal crushing and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. The suspect is also being held in federal custody.

Federal court records and investigative reporting by outlets including the Associated Press, Wired and the Washington Post indicate that the 764 Network has been active on encrypted and anonymous platforms. Reporters have traced some of the group’s origins to online communities that later evolved into more violent exploitation, though authorities say many details remain under investigation.

Bongino said parents should be on alert and should closely monitor their children’s online activity. He urged families to put digital safeguards in place to block contact from unknown individuals and to check in with children regularly about who they communicate with online.

Bongino said the bureau is making progress in the nationwide crackdown but emphasized that the work is far from over.

The FBI says agents will continue operations around the clock to identify offenders, protect victims and shut down the 764 Network.