The FBI has intensified its campaign against the ‘764’ network, a child-exploitation group that targets minors aged 11 to 15 and distributes child pornography. Federal agents have arrested individuals in Baltimore and Arizona, with charges including coercing children into violence and other serious crimes. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed that the network’s aggressive recruitment tactics have led to over 300 investigations nationwide, with more cases expected to emerge.
In Baltimore, an individual is in federal custody for allegedly targeting five minors, including a 13-year-old, while an Arizona-based affiliate is accused of victimizing nine children aged 11 to 15. The ‘764’ network, established by Texas teen Bradley Cadenhead in 2021, operates within a broader online ecosystem called ‘The COM,’ leveraging platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Roblox to recruit and manipulate minors. Bongino urged parents to remain vigilant, monitoring their children’s online activities and implementing digital safeguards to protect against these predators.
The FBI continues its relentless efforts to dismantle the network, recognizing it as a top priority in the fight against online child exploitation. The network’s activities have prompted significant public concern, with legal and child protection experts warning of a growing crisis in online safety. Reports indicate that the network’s influence extends beyond individual cases, suggesting a coordinated effort to exploit the vulnerability of minors. The FBI’s focus on dismantling such networks reflects a broader strategy to combat the intersection of online predators and the exploitation of children, emphasizing both enforcement actions and public awareness campaigns. As the investigations continue, the FBI remains committed to protecting children from these harmful activities online.