Holding 764 Accountable

This panel discussion focused on federal investigations and prosecutions involving 764 - a decentralized global network that glorifies violence and engages in crimes such as sextortion, CSAM distribution, swatting, SIM swapping, and doxing. Known for targeting vulnerable individuals, especially children, 764 blends nihilistic and misanthropic beliefs with influences from extremist groups like the Order of Nine Angles, though most members act primarily to gain status within the network.

Panelists examined how law enforcement is confronting 764’s evolving tactics, the legal challenges of addressing a diffuse online community, and what meaningful accountability looks like moving forward.

Featured panelists:

• James Kitchen – Partner, Jones Day; former Assistant U.S. Attorney
• Steve Grocki – Chief, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, U.S. Department of Justice
• Justin Sher – Trial Attorney, Counterterrorism Section, U.S. Department of Justice
• Kavitha Babu – Assistant U.S. Attorney, National Security Section, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois

The event was moderated by Barry Jonas, Senior Research Fellow at the Program on Extremism.

On December 18, 2025, the Program on Extremism (PoE) at The George Washington University held an online panel discussion on the nihilistic violent extremist group: 764. This panel featured Justin Sher, Jim Donnelly, Steve Grocki, Kavitha Babu, and James Kitchen. This event was moderated by Senior Research Fellow at PoE, Barry Jonas.

Sher began with explaining what 764 is. 764, in the counterterrorism section, is an accelerationist group that seeks to “accelerate” the downfall of modern society so it can be replaced with what they believe is a “proper” society. Their ideology centers on the belief that existing governments - particularly that of the United States - should be destabilized or brought down, ultimately giving way to a “survival of the fittest” system in which power is determined by strength rather than established institutions. 764 is desensitizing vulnerable populations, often minors, by engaging in various types of horrific conduct. Sher emphasized that for 764, content is currency. Their online presence, along with their practice of recording and publicizing their vulgar actions, serves as a strategic effort to elevate their status and notoriety. Donnelly, who joined Sher, explained why using the term “764” is a misnomer.

764 falls under the category of nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) groups. NVE groups are constantly evolving and expanding. Donnelly discussed how NVE groups existed long before law enforcement caught on and noted that new groups often emerge as a way to evade detection. 764 is considered a prominent NVE group because it emerged during the period when law enforcement began closely investigating this form of activity. However, NVE groups, regardless of their name, tend to share similar goals and objectives. 764 is considered to have a large share of content, followers, and victims within NVE groups, thereby making them a “brand” for NVE.

Sher then examined the methods 764 uses to achieve their goals. One of their most notable methods is exploiting vulnerable populations. Often, this is seen through the exploitation of youth, especially young girls. Desensitization and grooming are tactics used to coerce their victims into engaging in self-harm and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). These materials are then weaponized against their victims to force them into more heinous acts, such as physical assaults, suicides, and murders.

Grocki focused the conversation on child exploitation and how the charges for members of 764 are different from other child exploitation cases. Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE) has existed for years and typically involves individuals seeking exploitative material. However, what has surfaced recently is the group aspect of SOE, where people united under ideology seek SOE out. Grocki also emphasized the prevalence of juveniles among 764’s membership: youth are exploiting other youths. This is what distinguishes 764 from previous SOE cases. Unlike earlier cases, 764 incorporates a community element in which members seek to gain status within the group by producing and sharing the most content. The more content a member shares, or the more shocking and gruesome the content, the more “clout” a member gains. Donnelly and Sher explained 764’s leadership structure, emphasizing Grocki’s point that producing more content translates into greater “clout.” Within the group, clout equates to power, giving content creators influence over other members.

Babu reviewed her experiences investigating cases regarding 764 or other NVE groups, beginning with her approach to prosecuting juveniles. There are often various steps needed in order for the DOJ to prosecute juveniles. She also addressed the international aspect of 764. The FBI and DOJ have strengthened partnerships with law enforcement in Southeast Asia, facilitating better coordination as 764 cases began to emerge in the region. Babu stressed that the cases of 764 are a different type of violence from previous cases of CSAM and child pornography. Sher and Donnelly noted that there has been particularly effective and robust international cooperation due to the transnational nature of 764’s crimes. As an online group, 764 operates beyond borders, thereby highlighting the necessity for coordinated international cooperation.

The panel subsequently turned to offenses involving child pornography and CSAM. Charges can include possession, distribution, production, online enticement, and participation in a child exploitation enterprise, among others. Child exploitation enterprise requires multiple criminal acts, more than one victim, and at least three participants, in other words, a conspiracy. Grocki noted that cases involving self-harm often require alternative avenues to prosecute, as they do not fall under CSAM statutes. Sher and Donnelly emphasized the difficulty of charging a juvenile in the federal system. Careful consideration is given before charging them, including factors such as their age, the nature of their conduct, and the potential for non-criminal resolutions. The DOJ has charged Section 23-39A, material support of a terrorist organization, in one case regarding 764 and NVE.

Kitchen provided insight into the experiences of victims of NVE crimes, emphasizing that juvenile victims often face the dual challenge of focusing on their recovery while also supporting the prosecution process. Due to the conspiratorial nature of these crimes, multiple perpetrators are involved, which often requires the engagement of numerous law enforcement agencies with the victim. Kitchen explained that in his role as a lawyer for victims, it is extremely important for him and other lawyers to act as buffers between the victim and law enforcement. They work to get law enforcement the necessary information for their investigation without revictimizing the juvenile. Kitchen also offers non-legal resources for the victim to assist in their recovery. Attorneys are responsible for working together with law enforcement and prosecutors to identify the victims in need of legal representation and assistance, often because victims are unable to or lack the resources to obtain it themselves. Kitchen stressed that these victims are sometimes embarrassed or under threat, making it difficult to have them cooperate with law enforcement.

Addressing the risks victims may face when cooperating with law enforcement, Grocki noted that legal safeguards exist for minor victims, including measures that prevent their identifying information from appearing in public records. Protecting the personal information of victims is vital for prosecutors and law enforcement, as the CSAM content may resurface, creating fear of stalking or being sought after. Donnelly emphasized that federal and state agencies must have strong relationships with local authorities in order to effectively protect victims and anticipate potential future threats.

To conclude, Sher discussed the Bradely Cadenhead case, which is of significance because Cadenhead was a key figure in the creation of what became known as 764 in the early 2020s. Cadenhead was charged by the state of Texas and sentenced him (at the age of 16) to 80 years in prison.