Online Child Exploitation Network 764 Busted; 2 US Leaders Arrested

US and Greek arrests expose 764 network’s global child abuse ring. Leaders face life for orchestrating violent exploitation through encrypted apps.

In what can be called one of the most extensive and disturbing cybercrime crackdowns in recent years, the United States and international authorities have arrested two leading figures behind the violent extremist network known as “764,” a group accused of creating a sadistic online operation targeting minors across multiple countries.

Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, an American living in Thessaloniki, Greece, and Prasan Nepal, 20, of North Carolina, were charged with leading an online child exploitation ring that authorities say lasted from 2020 to early 2025.

Both men are alleged to have directed an operation involving the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), psychological manipulation of minors, and violent online brainwashing through encrypted platforms.

Varagiannis, known online as “War,” was taken into custody this week in Greece. Nepal, who used the alias “Trippy,” was arrested on April 22 in North Carolina. Both await court proceedings in Washington, D.C., according to a Justice Department announcement made public today.

Federal prosecutors allege that the pair led a subgroup called “764 Inferno,” which operated behind encrypted messaging services. Within this network, victims, some as young as 13, were targeted, bullied, and forced into producing explicit and violent content, often involving self-harm. According to court documents, victims were made to carve symbols into their bodies and were sometimes directed to involve others in the abuse.

“This case is one of the most appalling examples of systemic exploitation we’ve ever faced,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. “The depth and breadth of what these individuals are accused of doing reflects a level of depravity that shocks the conscience.”

Digital “Lorebooks” compiled by the group contained not only CSAM but also graphic content involving gore and psychological abuse. These files were reportedly used as a form of currency within the 764 network to gain rank, recruit, and control.

The arrests are the latest development in an ongoing investigation that began drawing national attention late last year. In December 2024, Baron Martin, then 20, was arrested on charges of producing CSAM and cyberstalking. Martin, too, was linked to the 764 and CVLT networks. Authorities have stated that Martin’s arrest helped unravel the deeper layers of this disturbing online operation.

The FBI’s Washington and New York Field Offices led the investigation, with support from agents in Charlotte and the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Athens. The case is being prosecuted by a team from the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.

If convicted, Varagiannis and Nepal face life in federal prison.

The arrests are part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat online exploitation. Officials say that while these arrests mark a significant victory, they are continuing to pursue others involved in the network.

“These crimes are some of the darkest we’ve seen, but our work will continue until every victim has justice and every perpetrator is held accountable,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office.

For families and communities, this case is an example of how digital platforms can be manipulated for extreme harm. The charges remain allegations at this stage, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

More on this story as it develops.