FBI issues warnings on global child predator network ‘764’

The FBI warns a global network of violent criminals preying on teens and adolescents

via online platforms like Discord, Roblox and Telegram. Authorities say they're part of a group known as 764, whose members extort victims by coercing

them into sending photos and videos of violent or sexual acts while sometimes hosting watch

parties among followers. FBI Assistant Director David Scott gave ABC News some of the

the details. They will encourage them sometimes to commit suicide. They will encourage them to do

cutting. They will encourage them to harm their pets. They're using basically psychological warfare

on children. That's right. They gain the trust and then they continue to build that trust to the

point where they have power and the ability to blackmail the child basically. Scott says the FBI

is combing through more than 250 investigations linked to 764 across the U.S. with some victims

as young as nine, adding the department suspects there may be thousands of victims across the globe

Connecticut parents who wish to conceal their identities tell ABC News their teen daughter was

lured in by 764. It was very difficult to process. Authorities say 764 has the capability to influence

from afar, pointing to one case last year of a teen honor roll student in Vernon, Connecticut

assisting in leveling bomb threats against her community under the guidance of the group

Investigators later found pornographic images of the girl photos of self and paying tribute to 764 on her devices According to cases reviewed by ABC News across the U at least 15 people have been arrested on child porn or weapons charges associated with the group Two of the

most recent arrests reportedly involve a pair of men charged with operating 764. They are identified

as a 20-year-old nicknamed Trippi who was arrested in North Carolina and a 21-year-old U.S. citizen

arrested in Greece. Police say the men were leaders within the group and victimized at least

eight minors, some as young as 13. Investigators say victims are blackmailed into committing acts

of violence, pictures of pornography, and progressively ramp up threats. A Canadian

father tells Fifth Estate, a Canadian investigative documentary program, his daughter died by suicide

after becoming a victim of 764. End of June, that's when I saw the cuts on her arm. The following

week, she carved the name culprit in one of her legs. When I spoke to her, she said I was part of

a cult and I was overwhelmed, but I wanted to just receive and hear information. As for the parents

from Connecticut, they tell ABC News their daughter's story should serve as a cautionary tale

If we can help just one family, then it's worth it. Discord and Roblox responded to the report

saying they are committed to providing safety for users and say they've introduced safeguards to

protect children. Investigators warn parents to look out for potential warning signs, like wearing

long-sleeved shirts to conceal self-harm and to monitor their kids' online activity. For more on

this story, download the Straight Arrow News app or visit san.com. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey