More and more teenage boys are threatened using nude photos: What do you know?
Predators force financially teens, mostly boys, by threatening them with nude photos. These conversations are:
The US Lawyer’s Office said the two men were accused of and charged with what federal authorities have allegedly encountered as “one of the most vicious online child exploitation companies.”
According to the US Lawyer’s Office for the Columbia area, 21-year-old Leonidas Valagiannis, 21, and 20-year-old Prasan Nepal, are accused of leading the 764 Inferno, a core subgroup of the US-based online crime network called “764.” The group used violent tactics designed to induce self-harm online, especially children, the criminal complaint said.
“764 is a network of nihilistic violent extremists engaged in criminal activity in the United States and abroad, and is attempting to destroy civilized societies through corruption and exploitation of vulnerable groups, including minors,” the US office said on April 30.
Varagiannis, known online as “war,” is a US citizen resident in Greece and was arrested on April 28 in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, prosecutors said. Nepal, known as “Trippy,” was arrested in North Carolina on April 22nd.
The two men allegedly conspired with other members of “764 Inferno” or future members of “764 Inferno” and conspired and directed at least half a dozen other members or future members, according to criminal charges. Prosecutors said if they are found guilty they face the biggest penalty they face in prison.
Federal authorities call “764” a “nihilistic violent extremists” network operating in the United States and around the world. The group is one of several online-based cybercrime networks within the broader network known as “com”, according to Reuters and Cybercoup.
In March, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned that there had been a “surge in” of “764” activities and other related violent online networks in the announcement of public services.
“These networks systematically target and exploit minors and other vulnerable individuals. It is essential to ensure that the public recognizes the risks and warning signs exhibited by victims,” the FBI said. “These networks reside on publicly available online platforms, including social media sites, gaming platforms, and mobile applications commonly used by young people.”
The networks threaten and manipulate victims to create and share self-harm, animal cruelty, sexually explicit or suicide behavior, according to agents. Videos of these actions are shared among members of these networks to force and control victims.
“It promoted grooming, manipulation and fear tor among minors.”
The criminal charges alleged that members of “764 Inferno” were operated via an encrypted messaging application where they prepared and distributed child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors said the group’s activities took place in late 2020 and early 2025, during which “core leadership roles” were assigned to both Belagiannis and Nepal.
The material was used to “create digital “Lorebooks” with other Gore and violent material,” according to prosecutors. The group’s “Lorebooks” are used as digital currency within “764” and members are traded and archived in encrypted “Vaults” to recruit new members and maintain status within the network.
The complaint details how Veragiannis and Nepal provided step-by-step instructions to other members on how to groom and force potential victims. The two also set production expectations. It claims to be based on the quality and infamous content of new employees.
According to the complaint, Belagiannis and Nepal used at least eight victims under the age of 18 in multiple jurisdictions, with some content traced to children aged 13. The complaint claims that both Belagiannis and Nepal threaten the victims and encourage the victims to self-melt, threats, threats of online and Paiman exercises, and suicide.
“The defendants promoted grooming, manipulation and fear tor among minors,” the U.S. Lawyers said. “Veragiannis and Nepal are said to have ordered the victims to commit self-harm and engage in psychological suffering and extreme violence against minors.
Alison Nixon, chief investigator of cybersecurity company unit 221b, told Reuters that Valagiannis and Nepal are “major actors” and their arrests are positive developments.
“The com-related crime wave is driven by a small number of very prolific actors,” Nixon added. “Arrest is a truly victory strategy.”
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Contribution: Reuters