What Parents Need to Know About “764”: A Violent Online Extremist Movement Targeting Vulnerable Youth
- The White Hatter
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
CAVEAT- We first wrote about the group 764 this past May (1), and here’s an update for all parents, caregivers, and educators. Since then, we are now aware to two separate Canadian teens who have been arrested given their association with 764 (2)(3)
Most parents are familiar with online risks like sextortion, bullying, and predatory behaviour. Over the past two years, a new and far more dangerous movement has emerged. It is tied to online extremist ideology, sadistic manipulation, and severe harm directed at vulnerable children. This movement is known as “764.”
764 represents one of the most extreme forms of online exploitation seen to date. Unlike financially motivated sextortion groups, these individuals are driven by cruelty, violence, and ideological extremism. Understanding how they operate and how they target young people is an important part of keeping children safe.
764 as an Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremist (IMVE) Group
764 is now classified as an Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremist (IMVE) group in Canada, placing it in the same category as other recognized extremist and terrorist entities.
The group began in 2021, founded by then 15 year old Bradley “Felix” Cadenhead of Stephenville, Texas. The name “764” comes from the local ZIP code of where this 15 year old lives. Although it started as a fringe online movement, it has since evolved into a transnational network involved in:
child sexual exploitation
extreme psychological coercion
cybercrime
technology-enabled ideological violence
online recruitment of youth
764’s worldview is shaped by influences like the Order of Nine Angles (O9A), a British Neo-Nazi Satanist organization known for promoting violence, sadism, and the dehumanization of victims. This ideology shows up in the group’s rituals, language, and behaviour.
764 is also part of a broader extremist ecosystem referred to as “The Com” , short for “the community” (4), which includes groups such as:
CVLT
Maniac Murder Cult (MKY) — now active in Canada
Harm Nation — a cybercriminal network targeting teens across popular online platforms
These groups share similar tactics, goals, and recruitment paths.
What makes 764 especially dangerous, their use of sextortion.
764 is not a typical sextortion network. It is a violent, extremist, youth-driven movement with a single ideology: harm for the sake of harm.
Their coercion model is known as “Cut Slut”, where once a nude image is obtained, the victim is manipulated or threatened into:
cutting themselves
carving the abuser’s username (764-related handles) into their skin
harming or killing family pets
committing crimes
attempting suicide
Some victims are pressured to record or livestream these self-harm acts as a form of control, humiliation, or entertainment.
While most sextortion networks seek money, 764 seeks suffering.
764 members primarily target youth aged 9 to 17, focusing on those already struggling with:
depression
suicidal thoughts
eating disorders
loneliness
low self-esteem
social isolation
self-harm ideation
They look for children posting in mental health forums or talking openly about distress online. Their strategy is intentional: they seek the most vulnerable.
764 use platforms popular with children and teens, including:
Discord
Telegram
Roblox
Minecraft
niche mental-health communities
They often create fake mental-health “support groups” on sites like Discord, and advertise themselves as safe spaces. Youth join these servers looking for help, validation, or community, only to be groomed and manipulated if the following way:
Empathy and validation: Offenders begin by appearing supportive and understanding.
Isolation: They encourage secrecy, telling the youth that no one else will understand.
Gradual normalization of dark themes: Violent, self-harm, or extremist content appears slowly.
Coercion: Once the youth is emotionally dependent, threats, dares, or pressure begin.
Escalation: Self-harm demands, pet harm, or suicidal instructions appear
Broadcasting: Some acts are recorded or shared inside the extremist community.
This is a methodical, psychologically calculated process.
Signs a Child May Be Targeted
According to the RCMP, parents should watch for:
Behavioural Changes
secrecy about online activity
withdrawal from friends or family
increased irritability or mood swings
Physical Signs
unexplained injuries such as cuts or burns
wearing long sleeves regardless of weather
Online Red Flags
excessive use of Discord, Telegram, or encrypted chats
involvement in hidden servers or private invite-only groups
Ideological Shifts
new interest in extremist symbols, violent content, or conspiracy themes
Pets Acting Afraid or Being Harmed
A tragic but documented theme in 764 cases involves coercion to harm family animals.
Why Vulnerable Youth Are Drawn In?
Children experiencing emotional pain, loneliness, or mental-health struggles may join these groups because they initially feel:
understood
supported
included
valued
Extremist groups exploit this need for connection. What begins as comfort becomes manipulation and control.
How to Protect Your Child
1. Keep open communication
Your child needs to know they can come to you without fear of losing their device or being punished.
2. Ask about Discord, Telegram, and private servers
These are common recruitment spaces.
3. Talk openly about harmful online groups
Explain that some communities pretend to offer help while hiding dangerous intentions.
4. Watch for sudden secrecy or distress
Changes in behaviour often appear before a disclosure.
5. Normalize reporting
Make it clear that if someone online pressures them to self-harm, send images, or keep secrets, they must tell a trusted adult.
6. Act quickly if you suspect involvement
This may include:
documenting messages
contacting local police
reaching out to CyberTip.ca
connecting with mental-health support
Early intervention can prevent further harm.
Groups like 764 represent a new and deeply troubling online threat. These movements blend extremist ideology, sadistic manipulation, and youth-driven cybercrime in ways we have not seen before. They prey on children who are already struggling and exploit their vulnerability for entertainment and ideological validation.
Staying informed, staying connected, and staying involved in your child’s digital life is essential. You are not expected to know every dark corner of the internet, but your presence, your support, and your willingness to talk about difficult topics remain your strongest tools.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
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