Leader of extremist '764' network pleads guilty to sexually exploiting children: DOJ

Prasan Nepal, leader of an extremist 764 network, has pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting children, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The 764 network, which seeks to exploit minors online, operates as a nihilistic violent extremist group, with Nepal, 21, also known as "Trippy," as its leader. Over the course of nearly four years, Nepal allegedly exploited at least eight minors, some as young as 13, using encrypted apps and rules to facilitate their participation in the network.

These rules included forced self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, exploitation of siblings, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder, as reported by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Nepal and his co-conspirators allegedly traded child sexual abuse material among themselves, making Nepal a prime target for the FBI's ongoing investigations.

In the past six months, the FBI has opened at least 100 more investigations related to the 764 network and similar groups. Nepal faces up to 30 years in prison, with his sentencing expected in May 2027.