The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice have designated the online extremist network known as “764” as a national security threat, citing its efforts to target and exploit minors through social media and gaming platforms.
The group, which originated in Texas, has documented connections to North Texas.
Federal authorities issued public warnings in May, urging parents and the community to be vigilant. The group has ties to Plano and other parts of the region, with at least one suspected member listed as a former Plano resident now on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
“764” began in Stephenville, Texas, in 2021. It is described as a decentralized network of individuals engaged in nihilistic violent extremism, including grooming minors for self-harm, animal cruelty, and other exploitative acts. The FBI states the group uses online platforms to coerce victims, often escalating to blackmail and further abuse.
The network’s activities have drawn national attention. Its founder, Bradley Chance Cadenhead, was sentenced to 80 years in prison in 2023 on child pornography charges, per ADL. Despite his incarceration, the group has continued to spread online.
FBI officials in Chicago and other field offices have released public service announcements warning that 764 and similar networks prey on vulnerable youth through Discord, gaming apps, and social media. The bureau describes the group as seeking to “destroy civilized society” by corrupting minors.
Local law enforcement in North Texas has been alerted to the group’s presence. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s online activity, particularly on platforms popular with teens. Officials recommend reporting suspicious contacts to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or local authorities.
The DOJ has prosecuted several leaders of the 764 network in recent years on charges including RICO violations and child exploitation.
Authorities stress that while the group operates primarily online, its real-world impact on families in Texas and beyond is significant.
To read more about the 764 network, click on the following articles by The Dallas Express:
FBI Dallas Warns Parents: Violent ‘764’ Networks Targeting Kids On Gaming Apps And Social Media. Link: https://dallasexpress.com/city/fbi-dallas-warns-parents-violent-764-networks-targeting-kids-on-gaming-apps-and-social-media/. Published: May 21, 2026
Inside The 764 Network: Child Exploitation And Digital Terror
Link: https://dallasexpress.com/crime/inside-the-764-network-child-exploitation-and-digital-terror/. Published: May 27, 2025
