Every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The evidence against these two is fairly convincing. FBI agents have apprehended the ringleaders of a sadistic international child exploitation network that targeted vulnerable minors as young as 13 years old, and both suspects face potential life sentences. Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, and Prasan Nepal, 20, have been arrested for leading the international child exploitation network known as “764.”
International Law Enforcement Operation Nets Key Arrests
Federal authorities have apprehended two individuals accused of running an international child exploitation ring with connections to violent extremism. Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, of Thessaloniki, Greece, and Prasan Nepal, 20, of North Carolina, have been charged with leading the “764” network, a group dedicated to exploiting children while promoting nihilistic violence. The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in dismantling one of the most disturbing child exploitation enterprises uncovered in recent years. Court proceedings for both suspects are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C.
The FBI’s investigation revealed the network has operated since late 2020, with Nepal involved since its inception. He allegedly ascended to leadership after the founder’s arrest. Varagiannis joined more recently in December 2023 but quickly rose through the ranks to become a leader. The pair faces multiple federal charges related to the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) along with the operation of a criminal enterprise dedicated to child exploitation.
FBI Kash Patel Announces major uncovering huge international sadistic child exploitation network "764"–Nihilistic Extremism that group linked to graphic abuse and violence involving minors 😑🤔😨. pic.twitter.com/mLynxyvH9D
— marinamillern (@marinamillern) April 30, 2025
Targeting the Vulnerable Through Digital Manipulation
According to court documents, the “764” network specifically targeted vulnerable minors, primarily girls experiencing mental health challenges. The group employed sophisticated grooming tactics across encrypted messaging platforms, where they coerced victims into producing sexually explicit content. What distinguishes this case from other exploitation rings is the group’s focus on forcing victims to engage in self-harm and other violent acts, which were then recorded and shared throughout the network’s channels.
“These defendants are accused of orchestrating one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises we have ever encountered — a network built on terror, abuse, and the deliberate targeting of children.” – Attorney General Pamela Bondi
The defendants allegedly created detailed “lorebooks” containing CSAM and violent content that functioned as digital currency within their network. These compilations were used to establish status within the group and to gain access to more exclusive forums. Court filings indicate some victims were as young as 13, with the defendants using multiple online aliases and constantly shifting platforms to evade detection by law enforcement.
FBI Shuts Down Vile “764 Inferno” Network in Major Cybercrime Bust
The FBI just took out one of the internet’s darkest underground groups—“764 Inferno.”
Two men, ages 20 and 21, ran the sick operation, creating “Lorebooks” filled with violent, abusive content used like twisted… pic.twitter.com/Q2hUTVIC3m
— Noah Christopher (@DailyNoahNews) April 30, 2025
Nihilistic Motivations Behind the Network
What makes the “764” network particularly concerning to investigators is its ideological foundation. According to the Department of Justice, the group’s explicit aim was to “disrupt society and government through the exploitation of vulnerable populations.” This nihilistic philosophy manifested in directives to victims encouraging self-harm and violence toward others, representing a disturbing blend of child exploitation and extremist ideology.
The arrests were announced jointly by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and FBI Assistant Directors Jensen and Raia. The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. If convicted on all counts, Varagiannis and Nepal each face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns
FBI officials have confirmed the investigation remains active and additional arrests may be forthcoming. Authorities believe the network includes numerous members across multiple countries and are working with international law enforcement partners to identify other participants. Officials are urging parents to monitor their children’s online activities and report suspicious behavior to appropriate authorities.
The FBI has established a dedicated hotline for potential victims of the “764” network to come forward. The arrests have drawn praise from child safety advocates who highlight the case as evidence of the growing intersection between violent extremism and exploitation of minors online, a troubling trend that law enforcement agencies worldwide are increasingly focused on combating.