ONLINE PREDATORS: SA teen’s arrest highlights ‘depraved extremist predatory’ gang 764’s global spread from US

The US’ FBI previously issued warnings “about a sharp increase” in the activity of 764 – the overall name for violent online networks targeting vulnerable children, which other authorities describe as a satanic and far-right extremist group. Now, a teen has been arrested in the Western Cape for alleged 764 activities.

An online teen-headed predatory and extremist network known as 764 started in the United States (US) about six years ago and since then has morphed into a global threat – and it may have spread to South Africa.

The arrest of a 16-year-old in the Western Cape on Monday, 17 August 2026, points to this.

Further illustrating how 764 stretches across countries is a case rooted in Australia where Jay Taylor , 13, was allegedly pushed to take his own life, which he did, in 2022 by an individual (who connected online) accused of being linked to 764.

According to the BBC, a man based in Germany went on trial in that case earlier this year.

US authorities have previously issued warnings about 764, which is primarily based online and whose members are involved in criminality ranging from child sexual abuse and assault to animal killing and torture.

Since its inception about six years ago in Texas, it has changed names, moved across social media platforms and spawned offshoot groups.

Various media reports, supported by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – information Daily Maverick has seen – indicate that a 15-year-old boy from Texas founded 764 in late 2020 or early 2021. He is now serving an 80-year prison term.

A US criminal complaint from last year in a 764 case contains a chilling description of it: “The 764 network’s accelerationist goals include social unrest and the downfall of the current world order, including the United States Government.

“Members of 764 work in concert with one another towards a common purpose of destroying civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, including minors.”

In March this year, the FBI issued a warning on 764 and related groups, detailing how easily its members could access targets.

Be vigilant about posting personal photographs, videos and identifying information online, especially those of children, because criminals can exploit and manipulate the content.

Parents should keep an eye out for sudden behavioural changes in their children – their sleeping and eating patterns and appearance.

The receipt of anonymous gifts, gaming currency and other virtual items may indicate something untoward.