First-of-its-kind federal case against Maine teen exposes violent online extremist network targeting children

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - A first-of-its-kind federal prosecution in Maine is shedding light on an international online violent extremist network known as “764” that targets minors across popular gaming and messaging platforms.

Earlier this month, the FBI announced a 17-year-old from Maine became the first juvenile in the nation federally adjudicated for involvement in the group. Investigators said the teenager committed multiple offenses, including conspiring to sexually exploit a child, sexually exploiting and enticing a child, distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), sending interstate threats, cyberstalking victims, and identity theft.

“You’re not going to be protected,” said Brian LeBlanc, supervisory special agent with FBI Boston. “We are going to find you, and we’re going to hold you accountable for conducting this criminal activity.”

LeBlanc noted that the federal resolution marks a significant shift in enforcement against underage offenders.

“For many years now, when these cases have been going on, these juveniles have felt untouchable because of their age and knowing that even though the FBI has identified them, they’re not going to be able to prosecute federally,” LeBlanc said. “Well, I think this case has changed that.”

How the 764 network operates

According to the FBI, 764 is a network of online nihilistic violent extremist groups.

“These are people who have embraced this concept that life has no meaning, life has no purpose. Therefore, let’s be violent. Let’s seek to create as much chaos and mayhem as we can,” said Michael Kamorski, associate professor at the Husson School of Legal Studies.

LeBlanc said the group’s activities span “anything from production and consumption of child sexual abuse material, animal cruelty, swatting.” Both victims and offenders are typically minors, with most cases involving children ages 12 to 17, though LeBlanc noted involvement has reached children as young as 9 and adults into their 40s.

Experts said the group operates openly across mainstream online spaces. Initial contact and recruitment frequently occur on gaming platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft before moving to private communication channels.

“They’ll befriend somebody through one of those apps, and then turn it into a relationship of trust, perhaps romance,” Kamorski said. “Invite them to a private room. So, Discord, for example, Telegram. And that’s when they’ll start to exchange favors. Start grooming, essentially, their victims.”

“Just like you wouldn’t let a stranger into your home through the front door, countless, countless children are being allowed to let them into their bedrooms through the internet,” Kamorski added. “Make no mistake, these are hunters. These are predators and they’re hunting their prey.”

Exploiting emotional vulnerability

Predators within the group rely on emotional manipulation and adolescent brain development to coerce victims into escalating criminal acts.

“You have a very young brain that’s really kind of susceptible to the bombardment of stimulus and content and things like that,” said Dr. Anthony Ng, medical director for community services at Acadia Hospital. “So, it becomes, one, impressionable. Two, it also affects their ability to control emotions.”

LeBlanc said perpetrators exploit that vulnerability systematically.

“They usually will start off and groom them slowly with love bombing and giving them accolades or praising them in some way,” LeBlanc said. “And then once they start feeling more comfortable, they start recruiting them into giving more explicit material.”

“This is a horrific group who are getting our most vulnerable children in society to do horrific acts,” Kamorski said.

Warning signs and steps for parents

Experts noted that children caught in the network often exhibit subtle behavioral and emotional shifts at home.

“Joey used to be more outgoing, but now we don’t see him. He’s just stuck in his room. He’s withdrawn. He’s not talking to people. He’s isolated. He’s irritable. This is not what he used to do. So, this is a good sign that something’s up,” Ng said.

Warning signs identified by experts include:

• Dramatic and sudden mood or behavior changes
• Isolation, withdrawal from family, or irritability
• Late-night screen use and sleep disruptions
• Neglect of personal hygiene and appearance
• Unexplained cuts, bruises, or other signs of self-harm
• Depression or talk of suicide
• Sudden aggression toward or odd interactions with animals, or harm to siblings

While updating security settings and checking browsing history are practical steps, experts caution that technical blocks alone cannot solve the problem. When children make mistakes online, panic and fear of punishment often keep them trapped.

“It’s not as simple as saying, ‘I’m going to put a block and say you can’t use it from whatever time,’” Ng said. “But, you really need to have a discussion with the kids about healthy usage. Ask what’s going on without being obviously, like, judgmental, saying you did something wrong.”

“Sit down and talk to the kids,” Kamorski said. “Let them know it’s safe to share in-house what’s going on.”

Reporting resources

To report a 764-related crime:

• Call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
• Submit a report online to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
• Contact your local police department, or call 911 if immediate danger exists.