FBI Milwaukee issues warning on extremist network targeting kids called '764'
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --FBI Milwaukee is issuing a new warning to parents amidst a growing "extremist network" they say is targeting your kids. There are more than 450 cases under investigation nationally, with some in Wisconsin, though the exact number wasn't released. Federal authorities have classified the activity as domestic terrorism. The network targeting minors, according to the FBI, is called "764."
Members of these networks manipulate victims by building trust or a romantic relationship, according to the FBI. Only later, the network will manipulate the victims to produce graphic content, or engage in self-harm, animal cruelty, or other dangerous behavior.
"Anyone can become a victim in our communities," shared FBI Milwaukee's Special Agent in Charge (SAIC) Alan Karr.
Potential signs of victimization parents should look out for include:
- Sudden behavior changes such as becoming withdrawn, moody, or irritable
- Changes in appearance, including neglect of appearance or hiding specific body parts
- Signs of animal cruelty
- Unexplained harm to younger siblings
- Threatening to commit suicide and openly talking about death, "not being wanted or needed," or "not being around"
- Scars, often in patterns, including signs or names from online platforms
- Fresh cuts, scratches, bruises, bite marks, burns, or other wounds
- Reports of personally identifying information being posted online for victimization (commonly referred to as a "dox")
- Sudden and unexplained gifts or packages arriving for the child to the home
Victims are typically teen girls while the perpetrators tend to be males in their late teens to early 20s, said SAIC Karr.
He went on to explain that many subjects are motivated by "Nihilistic Violent Extremism" also known as NVE. That means they "try to sew chaos and destruction in society." Others though could be motivated by "sexual gratification, social status, a sense of belonging, or for a mix of other reasons."
The first step in prevention, according to the FBI, is awareness. They urge parents to make sure they know who their kids are communicating with online and through which platforms.
Increasing awareness for the community so people understand it's an issue and we would like for it to be reported. It helps protect our communities and people
"Increasing awareness for the community so people understand it's an issue and we would like for it to be reported. it helps protect our communities and people." -- Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr
Victims should be sure to write down or take screenshots of any identifiable information from the perpetrator including usernames, email addresses, websites, and names of the platform used. It should then be reported to:
- 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov
- FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov