{
  "id": 12067217,
  "title": "The sadistic online cult with a global network that's targeting Australian kids",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/the-sadistic-online-cult-with-a-global-network-thats-targeting",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T04:01:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-05/australian-children-at-risk-from-sadistic-online-cults-like-764/107217600"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 14-year-old girl from Western Australia became entangled in a sinister online cult that targeted children globally, according to a report on 7.30. The teenager, whose identity remains protected, was initially drawn into the group while playing Roblox, an online gaming platform used by 1.7 million Australian children aged 6-13. The cult member, believed to be in Eastern Europe, lured the girl by praising her gaming skills and then gradually escalated his demands, requesting explicit content and even urging her to self-harm. The group glorified gore and coerced the victim to carry out acts such as writing her username in blood on a wall. When she was threatened with having her self-harm recorded and posted online, Emma's parents stepped in and began sharing her story to warn others. The person behind the attacks is part of a global network, with encrypted messaging group chats monitored by the Australian Federal Police. This network, dubbed 764, was created by a 15-year-old Texas teenager six years ago and is linked to reports of suicide, animal torture, and school shootings overseas. The FBI describes this as modern-day terrorism, and investigators note that these groups operate on a hierarchy, compelling members to commit increasingly extreme acts to maintain status within the group. The AFP has launched a task force to disrupt these networks and urges parents to be vigilant for signs of their children being targeted, such as hiding devices or isolating themselves.",
  "summary": "The FBI calls this type of online cult \"modern-day terrorism\". They are sadistic, manipulative, target children to commit horrific acts and have found their way to Australia.",
  "key_points": [
    "14-year-old Australian girl targeted by online cult",
    "Cult member from Eastern Europe lured through Roblox",
    "Global network 764 linked to suicide, torture, shootings"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The emergence of this global network targeting children highlights the growing concern of online grooming and the need for vigilance among parents and authorities to prevent exploitation and harm.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}