The FBI is intensifying its efforts to dismantle the 764 network, an online child-exploitation ring that has been targeting children aged 11 to 15. Recent operations in Baltimore and Arizona have led to arrests, with charges including distributing child pornography and targeting minors. Deputy Director Dan Bongino of the FBI has warned about the dangers of this network, emphasizing its use of platforms like Discord and Roblox to manipulate minors. He has stressed the importance of parental vigilance and monitoring children’s online activities. Bongino highlighted that the 764 network is a significant issue in America that many people are unaware of.
The 764 network, which originated in 2021, was founded by Bradley ‘Felix’ Cadenhead, a Texas teenager who operated a group called CVLT. Named after the ZIP code of his hometown, the network has grown to include a broader ecosystem of violent online communities known as ‘The COM.’ These communities allegedly use popular platforms to recruit and manipulate minors, engaging in activities such as cyberstalking, distributing child pornography, and even conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.
Bongino stated that the FBI has more than 300 investigations connected to this network nationwide, with the number increasing daily. He warned that the FBI is committed to destroying this network and has intensified its efforts to bring those involved to justice. However, he also emphasized that the work is not yet complete and that the fight against this dangerous group continues.
The recent arrests in Baltimore and Arizona highlight the FBI’s ongoing efforts to combat this network. While the FBI continues its operations, experts warn of the growing crisis in online child exploitation and the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures. Parents and guardians are urged to be vigilant and monitor their children’s online activities to protect them from potential threats.