Police are investigating reports that a violent online extremist group that was recently designated a terrorist entity in Canada is exploiting children on Vancouver Island. The West Shore RCMP says three cases reported in the Victoria area involve an online group known as “764,” which targets and victimizes youths between eight and 17 years old. Investigators say the group, operating as part of a larger network called “the Com,” coerces victims to engage in violence, self-harm and animal abuse. “Groups within ‘the Com’ network are known to have extreme ideological views and are victimizing children through desensitizing and radicalizing them to violence,” the West Shore RCMP said in a news release Wednesday. “These groups operate on popular social media platforms such as Discord, Telegram, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch and other streaming platforms.” Terrorism designation The federal government in December classified 764 a terrorist entity alongside two other online groups, the Maniac Murder Cult and the Terrorgram Collective. Announcing the designation, the office of Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree described the groups as transnational ideologically motivated violent extremist (IMVE) networks. “The threat posed by ideologically motivated violent extremism, whether it is in the real world or online, is extremely serious,” Anandasangaree said in a statement on Dec. 10, 2025. “The groups we have just listed prey upon people who are at-risk, especially our youth, and they must be stopped.” ‘Violence and chaos’ The 764 group has been blamed for at least one death in B.C., after a 15-year-old girl in Vancouver died by suicide in February 2025. Public Safety Canada says 764 members “engage in criminal conduct around the world, seeking to destroy civilized society through violence and chaos.” The RCMP says the group coerces underage victims to record sexually explicit material and incidents of self-harm, suicide and harm to family pets. Parents and guardians are urged to be alert for potential warning signs in children, including unusual attachment or fear related to a new online contact or community. Authorities also say a child’s growing interest in graphic violence, self-harm, occult themes or true-crime-related content can be indicators that warrant closer attention and conversation. Anyone who believes a child is being targeted by such groups is advised to report it to Cybertip.ca or to local police immediately. If the child is in danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with mental illness, there are resources available. Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline (Call or text 988 or visit 988.ca) Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800-463-2338) Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) If you need immediate assistance call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
