Halifax youth accused of participating in ‘online violent extremist group’

A Halifax youth has been charged in connection with a disturbing online group.

A Halifax youth is facing child pornography charges after allegedly participating in an “online violent extremist group.”

Halifax Regional Police and RCMP started investigating the youth in May after receiving a tip from the National Child Exploitation Crime Centre in Ottawa that they were allegedly involved in an online group called 764, a subgroup of the Com Network.

Police say the youth was acting as a “predator” and is facing several charges related to child pornography and publishing obscene material.

“We believe the youth we arrested had, over time, communicated with hundreds of young people worldwide,” said Halifax Regional Police Chief Don MacLean during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

“While there have been no local victims identified at this stage of the investigation, these groups operate internationally and there could be local children and/or youth being targeted by other predators.”

Police declined to release any additional information about the youth.

“Out of concern for retaliation or any violence we will not be providing any further identifying information,” said MacLean.

The accused was released on conditions and is due in Halifax provincial youth court Thursday morning.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and there could be further charges.

What is the Com Network?

According to police, the Com Network or “The Com,” which is short for community, is a “virtual community of groups and individuals who conduct illicit activities that glorify serious violence, cruelty, and gore.”

Police say the transnational Com Network connects with children, youth and vulnerable adults through the chat features of popular online social media and gaming apps, like Discord, Telegram, Roblox, Minecraft and Twitch. They say the group typically targets youth between the ages of eight and 18.

“I urge all parents and guardians to pay close attention to this case,” said MacLean. “These groups are not working on the dark web. These groups operate in plain sight … they connect with victims through the apps and begin grooming them.”

Police say the predators, often youth themselves, gain their victims trust and manipulate them into recording, sharing or live-streaming intimate images, acts of self-harm, violence against others, sexual activity, child pornography and animal cruelty.

They then use the videos as blackmail to gain more control over their victim. As they gain notoriety for completing the acts, they will sometimes turn into predators themselves, warn police.

“Many of us can’t imagine our children being pulled into a world like this, but children and youth are vulnerable, especially those who struggle with isolation and social connections in the real world, which many do at that age,” noted MacLean.

“If you are communicating with someone who is asking you to do something that you’re not comfortable with, reach out to a trusted adult, or the police, or anyone that you have a good relationship with, because everyone deserves to be safe in their own home and we will do whatever we can to help you navigate these online worlds.”

What should parents do?

MacLean is urging parents to learn more about groups like the Com Network, the apps their children are using, and use parental controls to keep their children safe online.

“But most importantly, look very closely at how, when and where your child is using the internet,” said MacLean.

Sgt. Danielle Pollock, with the RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit, agrees parents need to be more vigilant when it comes to their children’s online activity.

“I’m a parent as well and have raised children through the internet, and you can’t stop your kids from being online – it’s part of society – but as parents, it is super important that we are alive to where they are, who are they talking to, and not just a quick check,” said Pollock during Tuesday’s news conference.

She says parents should be visible on the platforms their children are using and see who they’re talking to.

Police also shared the following tips:

• put controls on who your child can talk to online and talk to them about the conversations they’re having
• encourage your child not to use headphones when playing online games so you can spot unsafe conversations with strangers
• allow your child to use electronic devices in a shared space rather than behind closed doors
• remind children to never share personal details, photos or videos on social media or gaming apps
• be aware of who your child is talking to and take note if they start to become more private or withdrawn
• encourage them to talk to a trusted adult if someone is making them feel uncomfortable or pressured

Where to find help

Anyone who believes they may be a victim is encouraged to contact their local police department or Crime Stoppers.

Support is also available online:

• https://novascotia.ca/cyberscan/
• https://needhelpnow.ca
• https://cybertip.ca

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page