Federal investigators are escalating their offensive against one of the most dangerous online child-exploitation groups ever identified, warning that the “764” network has entrenched itself inside digital spaces used daily by millions of American minors.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino delivered the warning in a midweek message to families, emphasizing that dismantling the group has become an urgent national priority.
Bongino highlighted the threat in a post on X, characterizing “764” as a uniquely violent online ecosystem designed to prey on vulnerable children.
“For those who may not know, the 764 Network is a heinous child-exploitation ring that often targets children online and coerces them into acts of violence, self-harm, animal abuse, suicide, and sexual abuse,” he wrote.
FBI teams accelerated their work after intelligence revealed the network’s rapid evolution and broad footprint across the country.
“At the beginning of the year, our teams redoubled efforts to go after these networks and eliminate them. We have more than 300 investigations connected to this network nationwide, and that number is growing. It is a top priority for us,” Bongino said.
Part of the expanded effort includes recent arrests.
One case in Maryland involved a suspect accused of targeting five minors, including a 13-year-old child.
In Arizona, a federal indictment alleged another individual victimized nine children ages 11 to 15, with charges including distributing child pornography, cyberstalking, animal crushing and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.
The group traces its origins to 2021 and founder Bradley “Felix” Cadenhead, a Texas teenager who previously ran an online group called CVLT.
According to Fox News, “764” takes its name from the area where Cadenhead lived.
Investigators say the group later embedded itself within a cluster of extremist online subcultures known as “The COM,” infiltrating platforms popular with minors—like Discord, Telegram and Roblox—posing as peers before escalating abuse.
Officials say “764” stands out for its internal structure, coordination and the extreme violence it encourages.
Earlier child-rescue missions—such as Operations Sweetheart, Pacifier, and Cross Country—led to arrests worldwide and the recovery of children featured in child-sexual-abuse material.
Those operations required tracking predators through encrypted messaging apps, hidden servers, gaming chats and cloud-sharing networks, experience now informing the approach to “764.”
Even as arrests loom, Bongino warned that federal action cannot replace vigilant parenting.
“I cannot emphasize this enough, this is a major issue in America that not enough people know about,” he said. “We are asking all parents to please be on guard, check in with your kids and monitor their internet usage. Consider safeguards that limit what these networks can access.”
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed the call, emphasizing the Bureau’s nationwide commitment.
“This @FBI is fully engaged taking down the heinous ‘764’ network that targets America’s children online. 300+ investigations ongoing across the country as we speak and we’re not stopping,” he wrote. “Parents, please check in with your kids and consider your options on monitoring internet usage to limit what these dangerous actors can reach.”
“They often target social media and gaming platforms. Report suspicious activity to law enforcement. It can make all the difference.”
Bongino said the FBI remains committed for the long haul.
“In the meantime, the FBI will keep working day and night to destroy this network,” he wrote. “It is a top priority. We are making progress, but the work isn’t done.”
