Inside the horrifying online network where children extort others to commit violence and self-harm
News Source
β’Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:00:45 GMT
π° What Happened
A shadowy online network called 764 targets young people and pushes them toward violence and self-harm. The group was founded by a Texas teenager, Bradley Cadenhead, who is now serving an 80-year prison sentence. Members use games like Roblox and Minecraft to find victims.
In one case, a 14-year-old boy in Stockholm stabbed an elderly man three times. The attack was streamed and spread online. Experts call this the 'gamification of harm' - turning brutal acts into a game-like challenge for young members to complete.
π The Backstory
The 764 network is part of a larger online ecosystem with perpetrators and victims in dozens of countries. These groups target kids struggling with mental health or questions about their identity. They use threats and pressure to force victims into doing terrible things.
Several court cases around the world now involve alleged links to similar networks. The groups often celebrate violence and collect recordings of harmful acts. Law enforcement in multiple countries is working to track down members and shut down these networks.
π― Why It Matters
This network targets children online and turns them into both victims and attackers. Parents need to know these dangers exist so they can keep their kids safe on the internet.
A shadowy online network called 764 targets young people and pushes them toward violence and self-harm. The group was founded by a Texas teenager, Bradley Cadenhead, who is now serving an 80-year prison sentence. Members use games like Roblox and Minecraft to find victims.
In one case, a 14-year-old boy in Stockholm stabbed an elderly man three times. The attack was streamed and spread online. Experts call this the 'gamification of harm' - turning brutal acts into a game-like challenge for young members to complete.
The 764 network is part of a larger online ecosystem with perpetrators and victims in dozens of countries. These groups target kids struggling with mental health or questions about their identity. They use threats and pressure to force victims into doing terrible things.
Several court cases around the world now involve alleged links to similar networks. The groups often celebrate violence and collect recordings of harmful acts. Law enforcement in multiple countries is working to track down members and shut down these networks.
This network targets children online and turns them into both victims and attackers. Parents need to know these dangers exist so they can keep their kids safe on the internet.