FBI Boston Warns of Nihilistic Violent Extremists Targeting Children

The Boston Division of the FBI is warning parents, guardians and caregivers about a sharp increase in violent online networks targeting and exploiting children and other vulnerable individuals.

FBI agents, including those with the Boston division, which includes Rhode Island in its jurisdiction, are investigating more than 350 subjects across the country who are tied to violent online networks commonly referred to as “764,” according to a media release.

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“Simply put, what these juvenile predators are doing is depraved, and the tactics they’re using are ruthless," Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, said in the release.

"They’re pressuring at-risk youth and other vulnerable individuals into producing sexually explicit and harmful material to extort them," Docks said. "It’s sickening, really. We’re sounding the alarm on this extremely disturbing trend in hopes of preventing more children from becoming victims. By recognizing the warning signs, you can help protect your child from harm and help us stop a predator from hurting another child.”

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The FBI has grown increasingly concerned about such networks of violent predators, according to the release, which said they befriend minors and other vulnerable individuals through popular online platforms.

The predators then "coerce them into escalating sexual and violent behavior, pushing victims to create graphic content and child sexual abuse material (CSAM), sexually exploit siblings, harm family pets, cut themselves with sharp objects, or attempt suicide," the release said.

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"Some of these predators even watch live-streamed self-harm and other violent content and circulate it to continue to extort their victims and exert control," according to the release. "It’s a tactic known as Sadistic Online Exploitation."

The members of these networks "want to sow chaos and facilitate the destruction of society," the release said. "These extremists often emerge from decentralized online networks and subcultures that glorify violence, mass killers, and self-harm."

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The victims of these extremists are "typically underage females between the ages of 10 and 17 years old, but anyone can be targeted," according to the release. "They often lack a stable support network and may suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, eating disorders, or suicidal ideation."

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