After breaking up a global network of child abuse known as “764,” the FBI arrested two ringleaders who preyed on defenseless youngsters as young as 13. Prasan Nepal, 20, of North Carolina, and Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, of Greece, are facing life in jail for masterminding one of the most egregious online child exploitation schemes, which entails forcing victims to injure themselves and producing and disseminating content about child sexual abuse.
International Child Exploitation Ring Brought Down
The Justice Department announced the arrests of the two principal leaders of the “764” network, a nihilistic, violent extremist organization that targeted minors for exploitation and harm. The network operated through encrypted messaging applications, directing victims to engage in self-harm and other violent acts while creating digital “Lorebooks” containing child sexual abuse material as currency within their community.
Leaders of what? 7+6+4? 17? 🐸
WASHINGTON – Leonidas Varagiannis, also known as “War,” 21, a citizen of the United States residing in Thessaloniki, Greece, and Prasan Nepal, also known as “Trippy,” 20, of North Carolina, were arrested and charged for operating an international… pic.twitter.com/krKTO154T2
— Joe Rambo (@BrainStorm_Joe) April 30, 2025
The organization’s activities spanned from late 2020 through early 2025, with both defendants holding leadership roles during this period. According to court documents, the group specifically targeted minors, often girls with mental health challenges, grooming and manipulating them into producing sexually explicit content under threats and coercion.
Disturbing Methods Revealed in FBI Investigation
The FBI’s investigation uncovered the defendants’ use of multiple online aliases and platforms to evade law enforcement while carrying out their exploitation scheme. The 764 network’s stated goal was to disrupt society and government through the exploitation of vulnerable populations, with tactics including real-world violence and frequently changing operational names and platforms.
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
Nepal has reportedly been involved with 764 since its inception and rose to leadership after the founder’s arrest. Varagiannis joined the group in December 2023 but quickly assumed a leadership role. Both individuals now face charges that could result in life sentences if convicted.
Justice Department Pledges Swift Action Against Child Exploitation
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Federal authorities have emphasized their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and providing closure for victims of this extensive exploitation network.
“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.
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. described the allegations as “every parent’s nightmare,” noting that “the number of victims allegedly exploited by these defendants, and the depths of depravity are staggering.” The arrests were announced jointly by U.S. Attorney Martin, Attorney General Bondi, and FBI Assistant Directors, demonstrating the collaborative law enforcement effort to dismantle this dangerous criminal enterprise.