Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a serious warning after detecting a sharp rise in violent online groups targeting teenagers across Connecticut using deception, intimidation, and digital blackmail.
According to federal officials, these dangerous networks operate through online gaming communities and social media platforms to identify emotionally vulnerable teens. One such group, known as 764, is under active investigation for its role in online exploitation.
PJ O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s New Haven division, said the threat represents a disturbing overlap of domestic extremism and child exploitation.
“This is one of the most disturbing intersections of domestic terrorism and crimes against children that we have ever seen,” O’Brien stated.
He explained that these groups are driven by extremist ideology and take satisfaction in psychologically harming their victims. Nationwide, authorities believe tens of thousands of individuals may be linked to these online networks.
“These criminals deliberately seek out young people with emotional weaknesses and exploit them,” he said.
How the Exploitation Happens
The predators usually begin by forming online friendships with teens through popular games and chat platforms. Over time, victims are manipulated into sharing explicit images or videos.
Once this material is obtained, it becomes a tool for extortion. Victims are threatened with public exposure unless they continue to comply with escalating demands.
“They coerce teens into producing sexual content, and once they have it, the blackmail begins,” O’Brien explained. “The exploitation only intensifies from there
