‘They are monsters:’ Experts warn of online network grooming Canadian children

Experts are warning that a violent online extremist network targeting vulnerable Canadian children and teenagers is using grooming tactics to coerce victims into self-harm, sexual exploitation, and violence. However, the motive isn’t necessarily money.

“They are monsters,” said Darren Laur, the founder of The White Hatter, a digital literacy education company. “And their goal here is to inflict as much emotional, psychological and physical harm on their targets as possible.”

The network, known as 764, has been designated a terrorist entity in Canada. Specialists who monitor online extremism say the group preys on young people seeking friendship, validation or a sense of belonging, gradually manipulating them into dangerous and degrading acts.

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