WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a major blow to one of the most disturbing online criminal networks in recent memory, federal authorities have arrested and charged two alleged leaders of an international child exploitation enterprise operating under the banner of a violent extremist group known as “764.”
Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, a U.S. citizen residing in Thessaloniki, Greece, and Prasan Nepal, 20, of High Point, North Carolina, were arrested this week and charged in the District of Columbia with operating a dark web network that specialized in the abuse, exploitation, and psychological torment of children. Both face life in prison if convicted.
Authorities say the pair led a core subgroup within 764 called “764 Inferno,” using encrypted messaging platforms to direct, share, and expand the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), recruit new predators, and encourage acts of self-harm, sexual violence, and psychological degradation — targeting minors as young as 13 years old.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
A Network Fueled by Extremism and Digital “Lorebooks”
The 764 network, according to an unsealed criminal affidavit, is not just about abuse — it’s a nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) movement that aims to “destroy civilized society” through chaos and exploitation. Its members shared not only CSAM but also graphic gore and violent content as “digital currency,” creating disturbing collections known as “Lorebooks” which were traded, archived, and used to gain status within the network.
The accused allegedly coerced victims into cutting symbols into their bodies, performing degrading acts, and even exploiting siblings or pets. Some victims were psychologically tormented for weeks or months, with threats of violence and suicide being common tools of manipulation.
Nepal and Varagiannis are also accused of training others in grooming techniques, setting quotas for “content” production, and promoting a culture of brutality and domination within the secretive digital subculture.
“Let me be very clear,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will track down and hold accountable those who engage in these criminal activities. The FBI and our partners are determined to protect juveniles from predators.”
Global Operation, Chilling Reach
The abuse spanned from late 2020 through early 2025, with at least eight identified minor victims across multiple jurisdictions. Authorities believe the number could be much higher. The network’s operations and influence were global, with connections in Greece, the United States, and several other countries.
Varagiannis was arrested in Greece and is pending extradition to the U.S., while Nepal was taken into custody in North Carolina on April 22.
“This case is every parent’s nightmare,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. “The depths of depravity are staggering. Justice demands a swift and forceful response to ensure public safety and bring closure to the victims.”
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