Two Accused of Leading ‘764’ Global Exploitation Ring — What This Means for Child Protection

A new federal case exposes how coordinated extremist networks are trafficking minors online — and what communities must do.

Source: Fox & Friends segment on Facebook, published by Fox News.

In a sweeping federal operation, the U.S. Department of Justice has announced the arrest of two alleged leaders of the online group known as “764”, charged with running a global child exploitation enterprise. Department of Justice This case highlights the intersection of child sexual abuse, extremist ideology, and online coercion — and underscores the need for vigilance, education, and strong reporting systems. Below is our summary and call to action for Utah communities.

Key Takeaways & Facts

• The DOJ describes 764 as a network of nihilistic violent extremists operating globally, targeting vulnerable people — including minors. Department of Justice+2CyberScoop+2

• The arrested individuals are Leonidas Varagiannis (alias “War,” age 21) and Prasan Nepal (alias “Trippy,” age 20). Varagiannis was arrested in Greece; Nepal in North Carolina. Reuters+2Department of Justice+2

• They are alleged to have led a subgroup called “764 Inferno”, which recruited, groomed, manipulated, extorted, and coerced minors to produce exploitative content and commit acts of self-harm. CyberScoop+2Department of Justice+2

• The network reportedly used “Lorebooks” (collections of disturbingly graphic content) as internal currency for status and recruitment. Reuters+1

• At least eight minors from multiple jurisdictions are implicated as victims; some reports say victims as young as 13. Reuters+2CyberScoop+2

• This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a DOJ initiative to combat child exploitation and abuse online. Department of Justice+1

  
  

Why This Case Matters

1. It shows how extremism and child exploitation overlap.The DOJ frames 764 not just as a sex exploitation ring, but as an ideologically motivated extremist network. Department of Justice+3Department of Justice+3CyberScoop+3

2. It uses psychological terror and coercion.Victims were threatened, manipulated, and in some cases forced to harm themselves — making the abuse more than just physical or sexual. CyberScoop+1

3. Its reach is international and networked.Because 764 operated via encrypted, cross-border channels, it shows how vulnerable kids anywhere can be targeted.

4. Accountability is possible.Arrests like these demonstrate law enforcement can dismantle parts of these networks — but only if communities help recognize and report abuse.

   
   

What Utah Communities Can Do

• Raise awareness among youth and parents.Teach about grooming, coercion, “red flags,” and that online predators may hide behind ideologies or shock tactics.

• Provide trauma-informed reporting options in schools.Kids must feel safe to report coercion or harassment, especially when shame or fear is involved.

• Partner with digital safety programs.Use tools that monitor risk, provide education, and facilitate escape routes from exploitative chat forums.

• Encourage legislators & law enforcement to invest in tech capacity.Utah law enforcement and child protection agencies should be equipped to identify encrypted or extremist abuse networks.

• Support survivors with mental health resources.This kind of abuse involves deep psychological trauma; survivors need long-term, empathic care.

  
  

Attribution & Link

This blog post is a summary and commentary of the U.S. Department of Justice press release, Leaders of 764 Arrested and Charged for Operating Global Child Exploitation Enterprise. CyberScoop+3Department of Justice+3Department of Justice+3Read the full DOJ release here.