In a significant blow to the international child exploitation network, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has apprehended two key figures of the notorious "764" group.
This organization, classified as a nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) group, is known for its ruthless pursuit of societal destruction. The two individuals arrested, Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, and Prasan Nepal, 20, are believed to have been instrumental in the orchestration of this vile enterprise, which preyed on children as young as 13.
According to Gateway Pundit, Varagiannis, a U.S. citizen residing in Thessaloniki, Greece, was taken into custody in Greece, while Nepal, a resident of North Carolina, was arrested on April 22, 2025. Both are awaiting court hearings in Washington, D.C. If found guilty, they could face life imprisonment. The "764" group, known for its global operations, used encrypted messaging platforms to coordinate their activities, including in Washington, D.C.
Interim Attorney Ed Martin, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and FBI Assistant Directors Steven Jensen and Christopher Raia announced the arrests. U.S. Attorney Martin expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, The allegations in this case are not only disturbing, they are also every parents nightmare. The number of victims allegedly exploited by these defendants, and the depths of depravity are staggering. Justice demands that our response be swift in order to ensure public safety, hold the wrongdoers accountable, and bring the victims some sense of closure so they can heal.
Attorney General Bondi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the severity of the crimes. These defendants are accused of orchestrating one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises we have ever encountered a network built on terror, abuse, and the deliberate targeting of children, she said. We will find those who exploit and abuse children, prosecute them, and dismantle every part of their operation.
The "764" network allegedly exploited vulnerable minors, particularly girls with mental health issues, grooming them to produce and share sexually explicit content and engage in self-harm. This content was compiled into "Lorebooks," shared within the group's private channels, such as "764 Inferno," to gain notoriety and recruit new members.
The affidavit reveals chilling details of the group's activities, including coercing victims to carve the names of "764" members into their bodies, set themselves on fire, or harm their pets and siblings. Nepal, a resident of High Point, North Carolina, has been involved with "764" since its inception around 2020 or 2021, emerging as a leader after the arrest of the groups founder in August 2021. Varagiannis, who joined in December 2023, quickly ascended to a leadership role. Both defendants are accused of directing group members to produce and distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and providing instructions on grooming and extorting victims.
The complaint highlights several minor victims, ranging from toddlers to teenagers, who were subjected to sexual exploitation and abuse. For instance, one victim, a 13-year-old girl, was allegedly coerced by Varagiannis into performing sexually explicit acts over a live video feed. Other victims were manipulated into producing videos and images of self-harm and sexual acts, which were then shared within the "764" network.
The FBIs investigation revealed the defendants use of multiple online aliases and platforms to evade detection. Nepal used monikers like Leather Jacket, Rebirth, and KingKrampus, while Varagiannis operated under names like mercyisweak and sinisterfuck. Digital evidence, including IP addresses, subscriber records, and seized devices, linked the defendants to their online activities.
The "764" networks tactics also extended to real-world violence, including property destruction, animal abuse, and physical assaults. Despite frequently changing names and platforms to avoid law enforcement, the group's core methods and goals remained consistent.
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