Alleged Leaders of Child Exploitation Group ‘764’ Arrested | Global Network Dismantled

Two young men believed to be the ringleaders of a disturbing international child exploitation network known as 764 have been arrested and charged. Authorities say the men led a violent and secretive online group that coerced minors into self-harm, child sexual abuse, and graphic acts of violence, including against animals — with some cases ending in suicide.

Arrests of ‘Trippy’ and ‘War’

U.S. officials arrested Prasan Nepal, 20, in North Carolina. He allegedly went by the name “Trippy.” Meanwhile, Greek authorities arrested Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, known online as “War.” Police say the pair operated 764 Inferno, a closed inner circle of the larger 764 network, through encrypted apps like Telegram and Discord.

Both men face charges for operating a child exploitation enterprise, a serious offence that carries a minimum 20-year sentence and could lead to life in prison.

According to police, the group targeted at least eight victims, some as young as 13, but experts believe the number could be far higher.

Inside 764: A Cult of Coercion and Violence

The Fifth Estate’s investigation into 764 uncovered a global web of digital terror, where vulnerable teens were lured through social media and manipulated into making exploitative content.

Victims were often found in self-harm forums and mental health communities. Nepal and Varagiannis allegedly created “grooming guides” to teach new recruits how to earn the trust of girls with mental health struggles before coercing them into acts of abuse — including carving members’ names into their skin.

Images and videos were compiled into so-called “lorebooks,” used as status symbols within the group and shared to recruit more members.

One Canadian victim, identified only as Trinity, first reported 764 to police in 2021. She says “Trippy” was among those who exploited her. Though her family declined to comment on the arrests, sources confirm she cooperated with both the RCMP and FBI in 2024.

Another Canadian father lost his 15-year-old daughter to suicide after two years of grooming by 764 members. He has since spoken publicly about the signs he missed, such as self-harm and online secrecy, and is calling for more action from tech platforms and law enforcement.

Origins of 764: Founded by a Teenager

Police say 764 was founded in 2020 by Bradley Cadenhead, then just 15 years old. He named the group after his Texas area code. Cadenhead, who went by “Felix” or “Brad764,” is currently serving an 80-year prison sentence for promoting child pornography.

After his arrest, Nepal reportedly took over as the leader, with Varagiannis joining the upper ranks in late 2023.

Their subgroup, 764 Inferno, was by invitation only. To enter, applicants had to submit graphic abuse content — often featuring minors — or violent acts, including animal cruelty.

The Broader Threat and Ongoing Investigations

The RCMP and U.S. officials say 764 is far more than a child exploitation ring. It’s a violent extremist network, responsible for or linked to real-world crimes, including:

• A school shooting in Nashville (2024)
  
• Stabbings in Sweden (2023)
  
• The murder of an elderly woman in Romania (2022)
  
• A foiled mass killing plot in Italy (2025)
  

Canadian officials say investigations are ongoing, and at least two members have been arrested domestically. The RCMP counterterrorism unit is now involved, and police warn that 764 has ties to ideologically motivated violence.

Survivors and Experts Call for Faster Action

Private investigator Becca, who has tracked the group and helped police for years, says the arrests are a major breakthrough. She says Nepal’s arrest has caused “panic” in 764’s chatrooms, but also warns that more offshoots remain active.

“One predator can have dozens, even hundreds of victims,” she says. “Getting just one of them offline could save many kids.”

Despite the good news, grieving families say they still face harassment from group members and feel justice is moving too slowly.

“We need stronger tools and faster responses,” one parent said. “These networks move fast. Our systems don’t.”

If you or someone you know is being exploited online, report to Cybertip.ca or call 1-866-658-9022. If there’s immediate danger, call 9-1-1. For mental health support, contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.

What should tech platforms and governments be doing differently to stop groups like 764 from thriving online? Let us know in the comments.

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/fifthestate/764-alleged-leaders-arrested-charged-1.7524177
• https://hackread.com/child-exploitation-network-764-busted-leaders-arrested
• https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/leaders-764-arrested-and-charged-operating-global-child-exploitation-enterprise