ALBAWABA - Spanish authorities have arrested a 17-year-old suspected of leading the country's operations of the notorious 764 network, an online criminal group accused of targeting minors through blackmail, psychological manipulation, and violent threats.
The arrest followed a joint operation involving Spain's Civil Guard, the Basque Police (Ertzaintza), and the Catalan Police (Mossos d'Esquadra) in the northern province of Gipuzkoa.
Investigators allege the teenager was behind a series of threats made between January and April 2026, including messages warning of planned shootings and armed attacks targeting schools, libraries, municipalities, and other public institutions. Although none of the threats were carried out, they prompted authorities to activate emergency security measures at several locations.
Police said the suspect also threatened to livestream some of the attacks for other members of the network and is being investigated over additional threats directed at individuals and a popular entertainment venue.
During searches conducted at two properties linked to the suspect, officers seized electronic devices, storage media, and documents that are now being examined as part of the investigation. The teenager has since been placed in a juvenile detention center under judicial supervision.
Authorities describe 764 as an international extremist online network that originated in the United States before expanding across multiple countries. The group has been linked to crimes including sextortion, the distribution of child sexual abuse material, encouraging self-harm, and sharing graphic violent content. Canada has designated the organization as a terrorist entity, while investigations into its activities remain ongoing in several countries.
Spanish investigators said the group also relied on tactics such as swatting, doxxing, and identity theft to harass victims and mislead law enforcement. The investigation further found that vulnerable minors were allegedly manipulated into self-harm and subjected to psychological abuse, with images and videos later used to blackmail and control them.
Authorities are urging parents, schools, and guardians to remain vigilant, warning that networks like 764 actively recruit young people through social media platforms, messaging apps, and online gaming communities before gradually coercing them into exploitation and abuse.
