A chilling rise of a neo-Nazi and satanic cult known as the 764 Group has alarmed parents and law enforcement, representing an insidious digital threat to America’s youth.
At a Glance
- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson raises alarms over the 764 Group exploiting children as young as 9.
- The group arose from a Texas area code and incorporates neo-Nazi and satanic elements.
- Children are coerced into self-harm and explicit acts, with materials disseminated within the cult.
- FBI and local authorities work to combat the group’s dangerous influence, urging vigilance from parents.
Exploitation of Vulnerable Youth
The 764 Movement, which emerged in 2020, preys upon minors, ensnaring them through gaming chatrooms and social media, and coercing them into harmful acts. Reports indicate children are forced into self-harm, exploited through sextortion, and in some cases, driven to suicide. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has brought attention to this alarming trend, underscoring the need for parents to be aware of their children’s online interactions.
The trend draws its name from the Texas area code 764, marking its cultural and geographic roots within online venues that appeal to children and adolescents. These young individuals, under coercion, are trapped in a cycle of abuse and manipulation, pressuring them to create content that includes explicit material and acts of violence. Prosecutors are providing guidance to combat these dangerous interactions.
Government and Agency Response
The group has led to the involvement of the FBI, with each field office tackling cases related to the group’s activities. Authorities including Wilson have met with the FBI, sharing disturbing footage and increasing awareness of the group’s insidious operations. As a result, active measures are being pursued to strengthen subpoena powers under Senate Bill 74, aiming to better protect children from such exploitation.
“We want parents—especially parents—to be aware of this because a lot of the children that are being exploited and the children doing the exploiting, parents are unaware of it.” – Alan Wilson.
Efforts are also underway to alert educators and issue public safety alerts. The public’s cooperation is pivotal, with the FBI and the Attorney General’s Office serving as primary contacts for those who suspect their children might be victimized. Identification of behavioral changes in children—such as mood disorders and reclusive habits—remains crucial for early intervention.
International Scope and Legal Challenges
The threats posed by the 764 group extend beyond the U.S., with Canadian authorities also recognizing its activities as a terror risk. Canada’s RCMP has listed it as a significant threat, as evidenced by the case of a Canadian teen named Trinity, highlighting the international reach of this digital menace. Despite reports made to law enforcement, the group continues to operate, underscoring the need for cross-border collaboration to effectively address and dismantle the group’s influence.
“We have tried to tell this story and nobody believes it. It’s too obscure, it’s too obscene,” – Trinity.
Amid these developments, the FBI’s guidelines and resources for parents aim to equip households with the information needed to protect their children. This effort accompanies a broader governmental initiative to enhance legislative support and law enforcement capabilities in addressing cyber threats that specifically target the youth.
