Federal authorities are warning parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity as violent extremist networks increasingly target minors through social media, gaming platforms and messaging apps.
The Department of Justice renewed the warning this week following the sentencing of a leader connected to the online extremist network known as “764,” describing the groups as a growing threat to children in the U.S. and abroad.
According to the DOJ, so-called nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) groups seek to spread chaos and destabilize society by exploiting vulnerable victims and coercing them into committing violent or harmful acts.
“These organizations target children as part of their broader mission to spread terror,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said. “These groups ultimately seek nothing less than the destruction of our society.”
The FBI said members often groom victims online before using threats, blackmail and intimidation to force them into acts of self-harm, animal cruelty, sexually explicit conduct or suicide, frequently demanding that the acts be recorded or livestreamed.
Authorities said the videos are then used to further extort victims.
Officials said the groups also employ tactics such as “swatting,” in which false emergency reports prompt armed police responses to victims’ homes, and doxxing, the release of personal information to intimidate targets.
The renewed warning follows the sentencing of Alexis Aldair Chavez, a San Antonio man linked to an extremist network associated with “764.”
Chavez pleaded guilty to racketeering, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography before receiving a 40-year federal prison sentence.
According to prosecutors, Chavez served as an administrator of an online network known as “8884” and participated in multiple schemes targeting minors.
Court documents state Chavez and co-conspirators coerced victims into overdosing on pills during video chats, carving words into their skin, setting themselves on fire, harming animals and performing sexual acts while being recorded.
Federal authorities said one victim was pressured into carving the word “Zack” into her body, while another was coerced into torturing and killing a cat on camera.
The FBI said most victims range from 10 to 17 years old, though children as young as 9 have been targeted. Officials added that girls are most frequently victimized, but boys and adults have also been exploited, per USA TODAY.
Authorities noted that individuals struggling with depression, eating disorders or suicidal thoughts are particularly vulnerable to recruitment.
The FBI urged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s digital lives and warned against assuming they are “just playing games” online.
Officials encouraged parents to watch for warning signs including sudden behavioral changes, withdrawal from family and friends, unexplained injuries, wearing long sleeves during hot weather, fixation on online acquaintances, unusual gifts, discussions about death or suicide, or evidence of self-harm.
The bureau also advised families to limit the amount of personal information shared online and regularly discuss internet safety with children.
“Nothing is more abhorrent than those who prey on children and other vulnerable members of our society,” Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division said. “The FBI has made it a high priority to identify and arrest Nihilistic Violent Extremists who coerce juveniles into horrific acts of self-harm.”
