Poster #1 - 764 and Criminal Control of Youth: Comparing Online Attraction Techniques

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

In 2019, an online network called “764” was created, originating in Texas. In recent months, the group has captured federal and local law enforcement attention for its violent exploitation and extortion of juveniles. What investigators have called “nihilistic violent extremists”, 764 specializes in targeting vulnerable youth and manipulating them to send videos and photos of violent and sexual acts, which are then used to exploit the juveniles. Members gain access to children and teens through gaming and social media sites, such as Roblox and Instagram, and then coerce them to send sexually explicit photos and to video torture of animals or people. In extreme cases, 764 members hosted live watch parties of the victims killing themselves or family members. This study qualitatively explores the methods by which 764 targets and recruits victims. The content analysis will compare these techniques to similar and known groups.

Author

• Samantha Fill, University of North Carolina Wilmington