764 Network Reemerges Online as Federal Crackdown Expands Across the US
Executive Summary
A network identifying itself as “764” has resurfaced online under the claimed leadership of “kadenholic,” issuing threats of harassment and violence across multiple platforms. The group’s posts on Telegram and Discord coincide with recent high-profile arrests of alleged 764 members in Maryland, California, and Greece. Federal authorities describe 764 as a nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) organization that targets minors through online grooming, blackmail, and extreme violence. The FBI and Department of Justice say the group seeks social collapse through the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, including children.
Analysis
The reappearance of 764’s online roster and recruitment channels marks an attempt to revive an extremist network under heavy law enforcement pressure. The public declaration of “real ownership” and threats toward rival groups and investigators suggest internal fragmentation and efforts to reclaim relevance after major arrests of senior figures earlier this year.
A Telegram post from an account linked to “kadenholic” announced that “764 is officially back,” naming a “Terror Council” and dozens of members while promising “havoc” both “in and outside com.” The post also directed users to a Telegram channel called “debunk764,” apparently for coordination, and referenced a Discord chat for public interaction.
In Maryland, the FBI arrested Erik Lee Madison, accused of exploiting minors via Roblox and encrypted platforms including Discord and Telegram. Agents described 764 as a “nihilistic violent extremist” network that grooms young victims and coerces self-harm or violent acts.
In California, a federal grand jury indicted Tony Christopher Long for animal cruelty, child exploitation, and cyberstalking, identifying him as an associate of 764. DOJ officials said his case exemplifies the group’s depravity and targeting of vulnerable victims.
In April, US and Greek authorities arrested Leonidas Varagiannis and Prasan Nepal, described as leaders of “764 Inferno,” a core subgroup that directed production of child sexual abuse material and violent content used as digital “currency” within the network. The Justice Department said their enterprise weaponized exploitation to recruit new members and maintain control.
The federal response reflects a sustained, multi-jurisdictional crackdown coordinated through Project Safe Childhood and FBI field offices across the United States and Europe. Despite arrests, 764’s digital remnants persist on encrypted messaging apps, where splinter groups and impersonators attempt to exploit the brand’s notoriety. The group’s rhetoric—combining violent nihilism, sexual exploitation, and online terrorism—continues to attract attention within fringe internet communities. Analysts assess that while leadership arrests have weakened operational capacity, 764’s online rebranding underscores the challenge of eradicating decentralized extremist ecosystems that blend shock content, ideology, and abuse.
