Federal authorities have arrested two leading members of a decentralized online network that preys on children as young as nine, according to an official statement from the FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrests last week, highlighting that the group, known as “764,” operates through social media and gaming platforms to coerce minors into producing violent and sexually exploitative content. Patel described the crackdown as a top priority for federal law enforcement.
The arrests come after a public warning issued in March by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, which noted a sharp increase in activity from this network and similar groups. The organization uses platforms like Roblox and Discord to groom victims, pushing them to create child sexual abuse material, engage in self-harm, or even die by suicide during live sessions.
Officials characterize the group’s actions as a form of “nihilistic violent extremism,” driven by a need for power and cruelty. Members frequently share graphic footage in closed forums and host “watch parties” for live abuse. Victims have been as young as nine years old.
In one notable case, a teenage girl in Vernon, Connecticut, was arrested after making bomb threats and sharing violent imagery linked to the network. FBI Counterterrorism Chief David Scott noted that all 55 FBI field offices are currently handling investigations connected to this ring.
Although the group’s founder, Bradley Cadenhead, is serving an 80-year prison term in Texas for child pornography, the network continues to evolve. Recent court cases reveal members using folders labeled “trophies,” “ISIS,” and “kkk-racist” to celebrate violence, mass shootings, and racial hatred—a deliberate strategy to rebrand and avoid detection.
To combat this, the FBI is urging parents to watch for warning signs such as sudden withdrawal, unexplained injuries, and unusual online activity. The public is encouraged to report suspicious behavior through IC3.gov, the CyberTipline, or local FBI offices.
Patel emphasized the agency’s commitment, stating, “Those who come after America’s children will face justice. We will be relentless in pursuing them.”