November 5, 2025 • 35 mins
A hidden network of manipulation and exploitation targets vulnerable children and teenagers, turning attention and connection into control, coercion, and fear. The investigation exposes the methods and ideology behind the network, the bravery of those who came forward, and the law enforcement efforts to intervene before harm escalates further.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
From the dark corners of the web, an emerging mindset.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
I'm a loser if also we know what to day
me either a.
Speaker 3 (00:06):
Hidden world of resentment, cynicism, anger against women at a
deadly tipping point. In Cells will be added to the
terrorism Guide.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
I see literally zero hope.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
This is in Cells, a production of KT's Studios and iHeartRadio,
Season one, episode seven, the seven six' Four.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Network, certainly when you live stream your, attack you're making
yourself easier to, catch so they care more about getting
the message out there than they do about getting a.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
Wave the judge Describe bennington's messages to his victims as,
repeated cruel and.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Sadistic i'll read you one more.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Quote women have a fantasy of being, stocked, raped held,
hostage and.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Murdered they wish they were.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
Victims I'm Courtney, armstrong a producer AT Kati studios With Stephanie,
Leidecker Gabriel, Castillo Connor, powell And Carolyn. Miller trigger. Warning
we're going to hear about a nihilist group called seven six.'
FOUR the fbi classifies this group as a high, level
threat and there are graphic descriptors of. Child exploitation this
(01:24):
episode takes a deep dive INSIDE The Us. Attorney's Office
david ryan speaks with unique authority as someone who's been
in the trenches working with victims. ON cases a former
chief Of The National security division At The United States
attorney's Office In, Los angeles david offers an inside look
at how these crimes are investigated and prosecuted.
Speaker 3 (01:47):
At The United States attorney's office Here In. Los angeles
we Have A National, security DIVISION and i was the
chief Of That National, security division and we've invested in
prosecute cases that involve domestic. International terrorism we all so
investing and prosecute, cyber intrusions, cyber hacking.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Cyber stocking you mentioned an increase in online threats and
in cyber stocking in the past ten years. Or so
what did that look like in your world of, your
job and then are there any sort of theories on.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
The, increase yes starting in around, twenty fifteen over the past,
ten years there has been an increase in. These cases
there are a couple of different aspects. To that one
is the increase in threats involving, anti government, anti authority.
Violent extremism we saw the rise of threats and stalking
(02:39):
and swatting schemes committed by people engaged in, other ideologies
whether that's what are these gender based violent ideologies like
in sell or. Other, IDEOLOGIES so i think as more
and more of the world moved online and into, social
media we saw that coincide with just arise in that
(02:59):
sort of criminal.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
Threatening activity do you think globally people are becoming more
prone to being radicalized because they're hearing so much more
of the.
Speaker 4 (03:08):
Same content we have had several cases where individuals were,
radicalized online whether on forums like discord or gab Or,
four chan where they were exposed to increasingly extremist ideas.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
And ideologies maybe it starts as exploring what they would
call it edgy or extreme or gore content that's more
in a fantasy context or a, joking context and then
over time it moves more and more towards reality.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
For them how do you determine the Difference between i'm
a fourteen year old joking with my Buds and i'm?
A threat how does that even?
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Be determined certainly there is a Line Between first amendment
protected activity and. Criminal activity law enforcement gets involved when
somebody crosses that line and starts directly threatening or harassing
or stocking or. Victimizing somebody now there's a separate set
of facts where a person may be discussing a crime
(04:13):
that they seek to commit in. The future we IN
the fbi would would aggressively start to look into that
to determine whether they've crossed the line from thinking about
committing an attack to actually attempting to. Do so in,
the law a person can be prosecuted for attempting to
carry out an attack like that if they take some
substantial step Towards committing so a challenge in this, area is,
(04:35):
you know if someone engages in discussion of what they
would like to do and fantasizes online about committing a
shooting at, a school, for example you know that alone
is not a. Criminal, act well when they start taking
steps to carry, it out that's law enforcement can. Step them?
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Got it that seems like it's a scary.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
Small window the one thing THAT the fbi has been.
Public about one thing that we have seen is that
the window of time between what we would call the
radicalization to the mobilization has been shrinking over the last.
Several years so the time between when someone becomes radicalized
and starts expressing that they want to carry. Out violence
between that point and when they actually mobilize to carry out,
(05:18):
the violence that period of time has. Been shrinked so
we used to see if you look at, successful attackers
the time between when they started talking about when they
did it would be maybe a period. Of months now
you're seeing that time shrink to less, than that maybe weeks,
or days which again just lessens the time for law
enforcement for members of the community see that activity and
put law enforcement and position.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
TO stop.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
I asked david why he thought, that trolling deliberately posting
provocative messages with the goal of upsetting someone is so
prevalent in general within in. Cell groups if.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
You go to the more extreme version of, the ideology
the ideology does hold that through the development, of feminism
women have gained too much agency and power or in
the so called, sexual marketplace and the right quote unquote
way would instead be that men should control that MARKETS
and i think a lot of, the again the social
currency that you can gain within that community is from
(06:15):
speaking that. Into existence this is how we would talk
if we ran, The world we should run. The World.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
The Center For Countering digital hate reported that post mentioning
rape were ON major insul forums every twenty, nine minutes
and that eighty nine percent of posts in relevant discussion
boards supported sexual violence. AGAINST women, I asked david has thoughts.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
The more extreme version of the ideology would sanction seek
to legalize rape? Sexual assault the more extreme version of
the ideology valorizes prior members who have committed mass shootings
of women or at sororities or at, Mail salons so,
you know in, that context it's not so that within
(07:01):
that community they would valorize for, joke about, or discuss,
you know in a, positive way, committing violence, sexual violence
or otherwise. Against Her.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
David ryan breaks down one disturbing CASE and insul in
his Thirties Named, carl bennington who targeted and cyberstocked multiple
teenage girls he. Met online he threatened violence and even
death if they refused his demands. For sex david explains. The, case.
Speaker 3 (07:31):
So mister bennington had been messaging several teenage girls repeatedly
and aggressively for, several years and then certain of those
victims reached out to, law enforcement and we began investigating
him out of our office for at least. Four years
what we learned was That mister bennington had become increasingly
(07:51):
consumed by in cell ideology and he began to act
out that ideology towards these. Individual victims the evidence that
we obtained was that he had gone from seeking relationships with,
these children, you know teenage girls two when they, rejected
him demanding that they have a sexual relationship, with him
(08:14):
and then when they rejected, him again ultimately turning to
threatening graphically to commit acts of violence and sexual assault
against them and.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
THEIR families.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
I Asked, how bennington in his thirties at, the time
first encountered these.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
Underage girls this is not a group like there are
some others where they primarily congregate in invite only chat
groups where victims are. Lured to in cells often reach
their victims as, he did just by reaching out on
traditional social, media platforms and initially they reach out in
potentially a friendly way because they're interested in trying to develop,
(08:53):
a relationship and when things turn south is when the
girl or woman declines and then they become. Increasingly aggressive
it can become a federal case as well when threats
are communicated over, the internet and when stalking is called.
Cyber stocking when you stalk someone online through repeated and harassing.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Internet messaging.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
The indictment contains Specific writing, bennington posted as well as
messages he sent directly to the. Underage Girls david ryan
read some of the posts so you can understand the
level of violence and even death threats these girls. Were facing.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
There are a few messages that really highlight what his,
ideology Was and i'll read you those. As well bennington
he was what you may call in the in cell
community blue or maybe, red pilled which is that he
was focused on what he would call alpha. Male ideology
he was focused on the notion that women desired men
(09:54):
who are dominating and almost a caricature.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Of what he would quote unquote.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Alpha male shortly before some of the worst threats in,
this case he wrote online quote women's narcissism has been
getting out. Of hand they need to be put back
in their. Fucking place. Fuck women shortly, after that, he
wrote feminists are a man hating group where they want
to take away our confidence and turn us into, some insecure.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Emotional douchebag i'll read you one.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
More quote women have a fantasy of, being, stocked raped,
held hostage.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
And murdered they wish they.
Speaker 3 (10:30):
Were victims then he started writing to the victims quote
don't fucking.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Squirm or you'll get.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
SLAPPED around i own, you now and you're gonna DO
as i Say because I'm. Fucking god and he sent
that along with a picture of a woman with her.
Hands tied so hatred of feminism and a belief that
the quote alpha male was the ideal to. Strive for
this is him flirting in, his worldview and going between
(10:56):
flirting and then being angry that it's.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
NOT working.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
I asked how, this illegal offensive and violent language could
be misconstrued as flirting. By anyone.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
There's that spectrum where they haven't quote unquote given up
on trying to adopt this caricature. Of masculinity they are
playing out the view that this is what, should work
that this sort of, hyper aggressive persistent pursuit is actually what,
(11:31):
should work and there's teaching within the so called manosphere along.
THOSE lines i think there's also a view that men
are entitled to the woman that. They want in one
of his, direct messages, He wrote i'm outside your window.
Watching you you better be on. The lookout if you
know what's good, for You only god can. Save you
(11:53):
slut dog or bark, for me you. Little slut based
on the training they've received and based on, their worldview
they are entitled, to success and maybe they should be
having success in the fact that there instead experiencing rejection
will lead.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
To anger outside of these, horrifying messages we Asked if
bennington showed any kind of pattern or warning science beyond the,
cyberstalking itself anything that suggested he might escalate to. Physical violence.
Speaker 3 (12:21):
First, of all these threats already provoke terror and fear
to the victims and, their families and he and others
have been and will continue to be properly prosecuted for
the damage they're causing through their online cyber stocking. And
threats with respect to going from online threats to, physical,
(12:43):
violence yes. It's concerning when he demonstrated that he knew
where these victims lived and that he had the ability
to go to. Their houses when he began talking to
them about being outside of their house or being outside of,
their bedroom regardless of whether he was, or wasn't that
indicates that in, his mind that's where he was going.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
To it and then other things that we in law.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Enforcement would look at are things like an individual's access,
to weapons ability, to travel, criminal history prior acts, of
violence and. Other indicators, and, then finally depending on the
level of insight we have into, an individual often in
cells carry out mass, casualty attacks do post or something like,
(13:29):
a manifesto either publicly or share. With, friends tragically we
often learn about that only shortly before or after they
carry out.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
An attack there does seem like there is a proliferation
of people posting manifestos or publicly sharing. This information any
thoughts on why people are publicly SAYING now i am
planning on doing THIS or i just.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
Did, THIS yeah, i mean that's been something that's been
consistent for a long time in iologically, motived violence and
these individuals are clear that they are committing an attack
with the goal of both putting their view out there
to inspire others who are like minded to follow their
lead and trying to expose the broader community to their
(14:17):
worldview which they would like other people, to understand if.
Not adopt and in the insul context as well, as
others may have been somewhat successful at that where every
successive attacker cites a prior attacker as a part of,
their inspiration which raises an interesting CHALLENGE for i think,
the community for, more broadly of how to cover and
(14:37):
talk about, these attacks because the communities of people who
are like minded certainly valorized and draw inspiration from the
amount of attention that.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
They receive it seems like bad guys used to want
to hide their crimes versus live stream them or leave
evidence publicly all over.
Speaker 3 (14:54):
Social, media certainly when you live stream, your attack you're
making yourself. To catch so, THE inference i think is
fair that they care more about getting the message out
there than they do about getting. A laved so certainly
the public messaging in the attempt to create a certain
media narrative is central to. Their motivation but in a
(15:16):
case where we are looking into someone before they've committed a,
physical attack if we see anything indicating their hope or
desire to become a martyr or what they would say
an insult to go er meaning to follow in the
Footsteps Of, elliott roger, you know that would be a
reference to committing, an attack and that would heighten.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
The concern.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Let's stop here for. A break we'll be back in.
A Moment david ryan explained that In the, bennington case
(16:06):
investigators learned he had access to weapons, And transportation he owned,
a car had, some money and knew where his. Victims
lived david continues.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
He did not have all of, the indicators so he
did not seem To Idolize. Elliott roger at one point,
he wrote Actually that roger was weak for having turned
to violence rather than bettering himself and following the quote
unquote alpha rules that he was trying, to follow and
that again is consistent with the sort of the divide
or the range within the in cell community of someone
(16:39):
who's not yet blackpilled, would say you don't need to
resort to mass violence or the destruction. Of society you
can follow these rules or follow these systems to better quote.
Unquote yourself and those are twisted rules and twisted systems
like what he.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
Was showing.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
The Judge describe bennington's messages to his victims, as repeated cruel. And,
sadistic ultimately the case never went. To trial bennington pleaded
guilty to two counts. Of Cyberstalking david ryan explained that
one of the primary purposes of sentencing is to protect
the public from future crimes by. The defendant in, This
(17:22):
case bennington served eighteen months. In prison his sentence also
included three years of residential mental, health treatment a no
contact order with, his victims as well as search conditions
allowing law enforcement to monitor his home. And devices david
explains what role he believed social media companies should play
in assisting. Law enforcement.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
It is a federal crime to write, threatening messages to
send threats to individuals on social. Media platforms it's a
federal crime, to, stalk harass or intimidate. Someone online so
these messages that he was sending were, criminal acts just
as sending illicit child pornography or other contraband through these
(18:10):
social media platforms would be a crime that would be
prohibited on. These sites so it gets perfectly appropriate that
these sites have policies and algorithms in place to ensure
that people are not using them to commit. Federal crimes in,
this case a challenge is his accounts were deleted and
he made, new ones but that's certainly better than no action.
(18:30):
Being taken it is very difficult and can, be traumatizing
and it's something for parents to be aware of.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
As well.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
David updated us on the victims in this case and
on the impact of their courage and coming forward.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
It was a very positive thing for the victims in
this case to have the prosecution go forward and to
have this defendant not only in capacitated for a couple,
of years but then receive a significant amount of mentame
health treatment so that they can move on with. Their
Lives and i'm sure it was scary for them to
come forward, because people first, of all maybe don't want
to come forward and involve themselves with, law enforcement or
(19:11):
maybe worry that they will further provoke this person who
is unstable and acting violently. Toward them they also likely
saved countless other girls and women from having to experience
similar or worse harm from, This defendant AND so i
think it's it's not just a brave thing, they did
but a heroic thing that they did to come forward
and get this.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Case done is there anything that you would say to
a parent if your child or yourself are, being victimized
or if you think someone in, your life, your son,
your nephew is going down.
Speaker 5 (19:44):
This, PATH well i think if someone's experiencing this activity
targeted at them or their friend or, FAMILY member i
think one lesson is to understand that it.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
May not just go away on.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Its own and that it can escalate they. Feel rejection
and so if someone does receive sort of messages that
starts to cross the line and suggests that either threatening
or obsessive infatuation that makes them feel uncomfortable, or nervous
that they should reach out to the local police department
(20:18):
or they can reach out TO. The fbi but if
they feel that they're in any sort, of danger the
first step is always to reach out to the local.
Police department federal criminal prosecutions are made every day based
on law enforcement and prosecutors identifying who's behind. The keyboard
so people who think they can hide behind the keyboard
and commit crimes and victimize, people online that's not. The
case and so for those who are experience that, as victims.
(20:41):
Rest assured if you do reach out to, law enforcement
we may be able to come in. And help and as,
a prosecutor our primary goal is to disrupt criminal activity
before new victims, are created and we can't always, do
that but when we are, able too it is often
because someone in the life of, that person either the
(21:05):
offender or, a victim came forward to law enforcement, And,
said hey something is not right HERE and i just
can't encourage, the public and parents and friends of children
who are experiencing this sort of conduct can enchuras them
strongly enough to make that outreach if something doesn't seem.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
Quite right.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
In Speaking With, david ryan the conversation turned to something
none of us had heard, of before the seven six.
Four group The FBI's Child Exploitation Operational Unit Chief abigail boccaccio,
has said people are not understanding the severity the speed
at which their children can. Become victimized these are offenders
(21:47):
that have the ability to change your child's life in
a matter. Of minutes we've said, this before but want
to be. Absolutely clear we are not suggesting that all
in cells, are violent nor are the in cell community
with groups like seven six. Y four they are distinct. And,
different however when we heard about, this newer highly dangerous,
(22:09):
online network it became a matter of. Public concern sharing
this information isn't, about fear it's about awareness. And Prevention david,
ryan explains.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
Seven sixty four is a more recent, threat stream and
certain of the CASES that i have been involved in
our ongoing in the sense that the defendants have not
been sentenced over the last, several years we've seen an
increase in criminal activity from what we call the seven six.
Four group that criminal activity has primarily involved what we,
(22:46):
put exploitation meaning the sexual exploitation of. Children online the
most common way that has played out is members of
this group condregating, online forums Typically on discord or, other
platforms where they can maintain control over a check group
where they can invite users, exclude users and then within
(23:07):
the group they can have live, video chats they can
stream or send, video recordings and within, those groups the
individuals participating in the seven six four network have essentially
helped train each other on how to groom children to
provide them with videos and photographs of themselves engaging in.
(23:27):
Sexual activities once they have those videos, or photographs the
playbook is that the seven six four members will then
use those videos and photographs to blackmail the children to
provide more by threatening them with exposing the photos and
videos that they've. Already gotten.
Speaker 1 (23:50):
The network was founded in twenty twenty One By Bradley,
chance cadenhead a Teenager, From. Stephanville texas the name seven
six y four come from the first three digits of his.
Zip code caden had extorted miners forcing his victims to produce,
pornographic material engage in animal cruelty and. Self harm his
(24:10):
motivations appear to include a desire for status, and power
referring to himself as being a. God Online on, may
sixteenth twenty, twenty three he was sentenced to eighty years.
In prison after, Reviewing evidence the judge presiding over the
Case addressed cadenhead saying there is something horribly wrong. With
You Horribly david. RYAN continues.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
A unique piece for this group is they appear to
be motivated not only by, sexual gratification but also by
what we call a nihilistic, extremist ideology where in their
view and, their discussions they talk about wanting to corrupt
the youth of society to contribute to the decay and
(24:59):
downfall of sit and so they not only demand and
threaten their victims to provide, sexual content they also demand other,
essentially degrading harmful and, violent acts such as they demand
that their victims provide videos of cutting the perpetrators' names
into their bodies, with knives videos of themselves assaulting animals.
(25:22):
Or vomiting they will often engage in essentially a sick
and twisted competitive game to see who can get their
victims to engage in the most painful and vile acts of.
Speaker 2 (25:32):
Self harm they will have their victims.
Speaker 3 (25:34):
Feel compelled to keep providing content because of. The blackmail.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
Let's stop here for. Another break they'll be back in.
A MOMENT the fbi is currently investigating hundreds of cases
(26:10):
related to seven sixty four in. Its Offshoots all field
offices are involved in, some capacity and numerous members and
network leaders have been arrested. And CONVICTED the fbi and
law enforcement agencies have issued public service announcements to raise
awareness of the network and urge parents to. Be vigilant.
Speaker 3 (26:32):
It is a common feature that the grooming will start
with what appears to be a normal. Online relationship so
the seven six full member will love bond a, victim
meeting just overwhelm them, with sweet complementary support, and conversation
offer to send, them money buy, them phones by them
(26:54):
digital currency to use in online, video games and just
be a. Support online develop what appears to be an
actual online, romantic relationship and then it will all change
once they convince the thing to provide the, sexual concept
the seven sixpore members use the sexually explicit content yes
(27:15):
to blackmail the victims who, write more but they use
it within their community as a form of. Social currency
they essentially brag to, Each other Look what i'm able,
To get LOOK what. I had if you look at
the public criminal cases that have, been filed certainly very
strong trend is that this is a community of male
perpetrators perpetrating minor female.
Speaker 2 (27:34):
Of it.
Speaker 1 (27:37):
David mentioned that children are often the victim of. Multiple
offenders we ask them to, clarify why and the answer.
Is horrifying you can see how easily this abuse can grow.
And spread it starts with the members sharing the videos
or photos as currency.
Speaker 3 (27:55):
That allows other members in, the community who then gain
access to those videos and photos to use them to
make contact with the victims who may be in the
group chat And say i'm just as able to expose
you as the initial person to whom you sent these,
videos is and so now you're.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
Beholding to me.
Speaker 3 (28:11):
As well seven sixty four has traditionally committed these sort
of sexual. Exploitation offenses we have, more, recently however also
seen seven six four members engage in, physical violence not through,
the computer but physical violence against victims in, the community
such as shooting or knife attacks in. Other countries there
(28:34):
is a concern that the scope of their criminal activity.
Is expanding there is an increased bush to aggressively confront
and investigate and prosecute those who are leading this group
and actively participating. In it and so you have seen
surge in cases federal criminal cases involve against members of,
this group and would anticipate that federal law enforcement and
(28:58):
local law enforcement focus on.
Speaker 1 (28:59):
The book do you see any overlap crossed over anything
IN the venn diagram between in cells and seven.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Sixty four one.
Speaker 3 (29:09):
Thing that is common between the in cell root and
the seven to six four group is that they target
and victimize. Children online they do it in different ways
and for. Different reasons one thing that's consistent between these
groups is they will present to the victim as non,
threatening originally and they will in different ways and for,
(29:32):
different reasons and at different times change from non threatening
to threaten and then potentially. To file but they start
as Non threatn and so the challenge, for children which
is maybe too hard of a challenge, for children so
it comes a challenge for parents in the community is
to both educate themselves and their children on, the risks
(29:52):
the threats that are, out there but also to have
appropriate controls and monitoring and relationsh between parents and children
and friends and teachers and children so that they can
intervene before the children sent off down the. WRONG path
i think children present attractive victims in the insult community
(30:16):
for a couple. Of reasons, one, is yes they are potentially,
more vulnerable more susceptible to. The tactics two again on
the more extreme side of the, insul ideology they want
a relationship, of dominance and children are more susceptible to
(30:36):
accepting or being made to accept a. Dominant FABLE and
i think they find, that children, you do maybe emotional
vulnerability or immaturity or lack of context, and experience are
more willing to.
Speaker 2 (30:49):
Embrace that at, the.
Speaker 1 (30:50):
Outset predators pray, on vulnerability often kids who might be
lonely or just looking for a. Connection online but what
starts as attention can very quickly turn, into control manipulation.
Or blackmail if you think someone in your life might be,
in danger do. Not wait david offers some resources and
(31:13):
why it's pivotal that we use them for.
Speaker 3 (31:18):
Our work it is critical to identify the victims who
are being used to make. This content this is less
common with the in, cell cases but when we see
seven sixty, four cases it is absolutely a primary focus
to identify, the victims and a primary focus is to
identify the real individual who's being groomed or blackmailed to
(31:40):
create this content so that we can go make contact
with them and their family and try to get them
help and resources so that they can get out of.
Speaker 2 (31:47):
That cycle and so from a law, enforcement perspective.
Speaker 3 (31:50):
That's why it's again just so important that, number one
parents and friends of those who are being victimized come
forward as quickly as possible to. Report it there is
a nonprofit organization Called The national Center for Missing And
exploited children that receives on a daily basis tips from
(32:11):
social media companies and individuals about child exploitation online and
works with law enforcement to report those tips so that
we can do.
Speaker 2 (32:19):
Further investigation.
Speaker 1 (32:23):
The phone number For The national Center for Missing And
exploited children is one Eight hundred Do The. Lost lost
it's available twenty four hours, a day seven days. A
week the website For The national Center for Missing And
exploited Children is missingkids. Dot org it provides, multiple resources
(32:44):
including one called Take. It down the purpose of Take
it down is to help remove or stop online sharing
of underage sexually exploitative images. Or videos there is, no
cost you can, remain anonymous and you do not have
to send them images. To, anyone.
Speaker 3 (33:03):
Many many cases are made through that, reporting chain and
so we strongly, encourage again parents' friends of those who
you think may be being victimized in this way to
reach out to either, law enforcement local law enforcement who
can make contact WITH, the fbi or To The national
Center For Missing exploited children so that we can follow
up and try to put an end to that victimization
(33:25):
before it gets even more out.
Speaker 2 (33:28):
Of control.
Speaker 1 (33:31):
We Asked david ryan for any, final thoughts something he, wanted,
parents friends and anyone listening. To remember his answer is not.
About fear it's. About action. Reporting matters early warning signs,
save lives and the sooner someone, speaks up the faster
law enforcement can intervene before a threat turns into. A tragedy.
Speaker 3 (33:54):
From the standpoint of, a prosecutor these cases are both
tragic and a significant call to action for the law.
Enforcement community although there has already been, a crime when
an in cell or a seven to six four member
shares content online or threaten. Someone online the important work
for law enforcement is to be in a position to
identify that conduct quickly and disrupt a defendant or an
(34:18):
individual who may be on a pathway to. Physical violence
because when you look at the mass shootings That in cells,
have committed there were often very significant, warning signs, public
statements or private statements that law enforcement wasn't, aware of
and so it's a constant race against time for us
(34:38):
to try to identify and stop these people before they
commit tragic mass shootings or acts of.
Speaker 2 (34:46):
Mass violence.
Speaker 1 (34:50):
For more information on the case and, relevant photos follow
Us on instagram At Kt. Underscore Studios in cells is
Produced By, stephanie Leidecker gaber castillo And Me. Courtney armstrong
additional Producing By connor Powell And, caroline miller Editing By
jeff tooi Music By. Vanicore Studios in cells is a
(35:14):
Production Of kati's Studios And. iHeart radio for more podcasts,
like this Visit the, iHeartRadio App, apple podcasts or wherever
you listen to your. Favorite shows
From the dark corners of the web, an emerging mindset.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
I'm a loser if also we know what to day
me either a.
Speaker 3 (00:06):
Hidden world of resentment, cynicism, anger against women at a
deadly tipping point. In Cells will be added to the
terrorism Guide.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
I see literally zero hope.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
This is in Cells, a production of KT's Studios and iHeartRadio,
Season one, episode seven, the seven six' Four.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Network, certainly when you live stream your, attack you're making
yourself easier to, catch so they care more about getting
the message out there than they do about getting a.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
Wave the judge Describe bennington's messages to his victims as,
repeated cruel and.
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Sadistic i'll read you one more.
Speaker 3 (00:52):
Quote women have a fantasy of being, stocked, raped held,
hostage and.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Murdered they wish they were.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
Victims I'm Courtney, armstrong a producer AT Kati studios With Stephanie,
Leidecker Gabriel, Castillo Connor, powell And Carolyn. Miller trigger. Warning
we're going to hear about a nihilist group called seven six.'
FOUR the fbi classifies this group as a high, level
threat and there are graphic descriptors of. Child exploitation this
(01:24):
episode takes a deep dive INSIDE The Us. Attorney's Office
david ryan speaks with unique authority as someone who's been
in the trenches working with victims. ON cases a former
chief Of The National security division At The United States
attorney's Office In, Los angeles david offers an inside look
at how these crimes are investigated and prosecuted.
Speaker 3 (01:47):
At The United States attorney's office Here In. Los angeles
we Have A National, security DIVISION and i was the
chief Of That National, security division and we've invested in
prosecute cases that involve domestic. International terrorism we all so
investing and prosecute, cyber intrusions, cyber hacking.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Cyber stocking you mentioned an increase in online threats and
in cyber stocking in the past ten years. Or so
what did that look like in your world of, your
job and then are there any sort of theories on.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
The, increase yes starting in around, twenty fifteen over the past,
ten years there has been an increase in. These cases
there are a couple of different aspects. To that one
is the increase in threats involving, anti government, anti authority.
Violent extremism we saw the rise of threats and stalking
(02:39):
and swatting schemes committed by people engaged in, other ideologies
whether that's what are these gender based violent ideologies like
in sell or. Other, IDEOLOGIES so i think as more
and more of the world moved online and into, social
media we saw that coincide with just arise in that
(02:59):
sort of criminal.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
Threatening activity do you think globally people are becoming more
prone to being radicalized because they're hearing so much more
of the.
Speaker 4 (03:08):
Same content we have had several cases where individuals were,
radicalized online whether on forums like discord or gab Or,
four chan where they were exposed to increasingly extremist ideas.
Speaker 3 (03:25):
And ideologies maybe it starts as exploring what they would
call it edgy or extreme or gore content that's more
in a fantasy context or a, joking context and then
over time it moves more and more towards reality.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
For them how do you determine the Difference between i'm
a fourteen year old joking with my Buds and i'm?
A threat how does that even?
Speaker 3 (03:51):
Be determined certainly there is a Line Between first amendment
protected activity and. Criminal activity law enforcement gets involved when
somebody crosses that line and starts directly threatening or harassing
or stocking or. Victimizing somebody now there's a separate set
of facts where a person may be discussing a crime
(04:13):
that they seek to commit in. The future we IN
the fbi would would aggressively start to look into that
to determine whether they've crossed the line from thinking about
committing an attack to actually attempting to. Do so in,
the law a person can be prosecuted for attempting to
carry out an attack like that if they take some
substantial step Towards committing so a challenge in this, area is,
(04:35):
you know if someone engages in discussion of what they
would like to do and fantasizes online about committing a
shooting at, a school, for example you know that alone
is not a. Criminal, act well when they start taking
steps to carry, it out that's law enforcement can. Step them?
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Got it that seems like it's a scary.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
Small window the one thing THAT the fbi has been.
Public about one thing that we have seen is that
the window of time between what we would call the
radicalization to the mobilization has been shrinking over the last.
Several years so the time between when someone becomes radicalized
and starts expressing that they want to carry. Out violence
between that point and when they actually mobilize to carry out,
(05:18):
the violence that period of time has. Been shrinked so
we used to see if you look at, successful attackers
the time between when they started talking about when they
did it would be maybe a period. Of months now
you're seeing that time shrink to less, than that maybe weeks,
or days which again just lessens the time for law
enforcement for members of the community see that activity and
put law enforcement and position.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
TO stop.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
I asked david why he thought, that trolling deliberately posting
provocative messages with the goal of upsetting someone is so
prevalent in general within in. Cell groups if.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
You go to the more extreme version of, the ideology
the ideology does hold that through the development, of feminism
women have gained too much agency and power or in
the so called, sexual marketplace and the right quote unquote
way would instead be that men should control that MARKETS
and i think a lot of, the again the social
currency that you can gain within that community is from
(06:15):
speaking that. Into existence this is how we would talk
if we ran, The world we should run. The World.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
The Center For Countering digital hate reported that post mentioning
rape were ON major insul forums every twenty, nine minutes
and that eighty nine percent of posts in relevant discussion
boards supported sexual violence. AGAINST women, I asked david has thoughts.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
The more extreme version of the ideology would sanction seek
to legalize rape? Sexual assault the more extreme version of
the ideology valorizes prior members who have committed mass shootings
of women or at sororities or at, Mail salons so,
you know in, that context it's not so that within
(07:01):
that community they would valorize for, joke about, or discuss,
you know in a, positive way, committing violence, sexual violence
or otherwise. Against Her.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
David ryan breaks down one disturbing CASE and insul in
his Thirties Named, carl bennington who targeted and cyberstocked multiple
teenage girls he. Met online he threatened violence and even
death if they refused his demands. For sex david explains. The, case.
Speaker 3 (07:31):
So mister bennington had been messaging several teenage girls repeatedly
and aggressively for, several years and then certain of those
victims reached out to, law enforcement and we began investigating
him out of our office for at least. Four years
what we learned was That mister bennington had become increasingly
(07:51):
consumed by in cell ideology and he began to act
out that ideology towards these. Individual victims the evidence that
we obtained was that he had gone from seeking relationships with,
these children, you know teenage girls two when they, rejected
him demanding that they have a sexual relationship, with him
(08:14):
and then when they rejected, him again ultimately turning to
threatening graphically to commit acts of violence and sexual assault
against them and.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
THEIR families.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
I Asked, how bennington in his thirties at, the time
first encountered these.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
Underage girls this is not a group like there are
some others where they primarily congregate in invite only chat
groups where victims are. Lured to in cells often reach
their victims as, he did just by reaching out on
traditional social, media platforms and initially they reach out in
potentially a friendly way because they're interested in trying to develop,
(08:53):
a relationship and when things turn south is when the
girl or woman declines and then they become. Increasingly aggressive
it can become a federal case as well when threats
are communicated over, the internet and when stalking is called.
Cyber stocking when you stalk someone online through repeated and harassing.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Internet messaging.
Speaker 1 (09:17):
The indictment contains Specific writing, bennington posted as well as
messages he sent directly to the. Underage Girls david ryan
read some of the posts so you can understand the
level of violence and even death threats these girls. Were facing.
Speaker 3 (09:33):
There are a few messages that really highlight what his,
ideology Was and i'll read you those. As well bennington
he was what you may call in the in cell
community blue or maybe, red pilled which is that he
was focused on what he would call alpha. Male ideology
he was focused on the notion that women desired men
(09:54):
who are dominating and almost a caricature.
Speaker 2 (09:59):
Of what he would quote unquote.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Alpha male shortly before some of the worst threats in,
this case he wrote online quote women's narcissism has been
getting out. Of hand they need to be put back
in their. Fucking place. Fuck women shortly, after that, he
wrote feminists are a man hating group where they want
to take away our confidence and turn us into, some insecure.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Emotional douchebag i'll read you one.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
More quote women have a fantasy of, being, stocked raped,
held hostage.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
And murdered they wish they.
Speaker 3 (10:30):
Were victims then he started writing to the victims quote
don't fucking.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
Squirm or you'll get.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
SLAPPED around i own, you now and you're gonna DO
as i Say because I'm. Fucking god and he sent
that along with a picture of a woman with her.
Hands tied so hatred of feminism and a belief that
the quote alpha male was the ideal to. Strive for
this is him flirting in, his worldview and going between
(10:56):
flirting and then being angry that it's.
Speaker 2 (10:58):
NOT working.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
I asked how, this illegal offensive and violent language could
be misconstrued as flirting. By anyone.
Speaker 3 (11:10):
There's that spectrum where they haven't quote unquote given up
on trying to adopt this caricature. Of masculinity they are
playing out the view that this is what, should work
that this sort of, hyper aggressive persistent pursuit is actually what,
(11:31):
should work and there's teaching within the so called manosphere along.
THOSE lines i think there's also a view that men
are entitled to the woman that. They want in one
of his, direct messages, He wrote i'm outside your window.
Watching you you better be on. The lookout if you
know what's good, for You only god can. Save you
(11:53):
slut dog or bark, for me you. Little slut based
on the training they've received and based on, their worldview
they are entitled, to success and maybe they should be
having success in the fact that there instead experiencing rejection
will lead.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
To anger outside of these, horrifying messages we Asked if
bennington showed any kind of pattern or warning science beyond the,
cyberstalking itself anything that suggested he might escalate to. Physical violence.
Speaker 3 (12:21):
First, of all these threats already provoke terror and fear
to the victims and, their families and he and others
have been and will continue to be properly prosecuted for
the damage they're causing through their online cyber stocking. And
threats with respect to going from online threats to, physical,
(12:43):
violence yes. It's concerning when he demonstrated that he knew
where these victims lived and that he had the ability
to go to. Their houses when he began talking to
them about being outside of their house or being outside of,
their bedroom regardless of whether he was, or wasn't that
indicates that in, his mind that's where he was going.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
To it and then other things that we in law.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Enforcement would look at are things like an individual's access,
to weapons ability, to travel, criminal history prior acts, of
violence and. Other indicators, and, then finally depending on the
level of insight we have into, an individual often in
cells carry out mass, casualty attacks do post or something like,
(13:29):
a manifesto either publicly or share. With, friends tragically we
often learn about that only shortly before or after they
carry out.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
An attack there does seem like there is a proliferation
of people posting manifestos or publicly sharing. This information any
thoughts on why people are publicly SAYING now i am
planning on doing THIS or i just.
Speaker 3 (13:53):
Did, THIS yeah, i mean that's been something that's been
consistent for a long time in iologically, motived violence and
these individuals are clear that they are committing an attack
with the goal of both putting their view out there
to inspire others who are like minded to follow their
lead and trying to expose the broader community to their
(14:17):
worldview which they would like other people, to understand if.
Not adopt and in the insul context as well, as
others may have been somewhat successful at that where every
successive attacker cites a prior attacker as a part of,
their inspiration which raises an interesting CHALLENGE for i think,
the community for, more broadly of how to cover and
(14:37):
talk about, these attacks because the communities of people who
are like minded certainly valorized and draw inspiration from the
amount of attention that.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
They receive it seems like bad guys used to want
to hide their crimes versus live stream them or leave
evidence publicly all over.
Speaker 3 (14:54):
Social, media certainly when you live stream, your attack you're
making yourself. To catch so, THE inference i think is
fair that they care more about getting the message out
there than they do about getting. A laved so certainly
the public messaging in the attempt to create a certain
media narrative is central to. Their motivation but in a
(15:16):
case where we are looking into someone before they've committed a,
physical attack if we see anything indicating their hope or
desire to become a martyr or what they would say
an insult to go er meaning to follow in the
Footsteps Of, elliott roger, you know that would be a
reference to committing, an attack and that would heighten.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
The concern.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Let's stop here for. A break we'll be back in.
A Moment david ryan explained that In the, bennington case
(16:06):
investigators learned he had access to weapons, And transportation he owned,
a car had, some money and knew where his. Victims
lived david continues.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
He did not have all of, the indicators so he
did not seem To Idolize. Elliott roger at one point,
he wrote Actually that roger was weak for having turned
to violence rather than bettering himself and following the quote
unquote alpha rules that he was trying, to follow and
that again is consistent with the sort of the divide
or the range within the in cell community of someone
(16:39):
who's not yet blackpilled, would say you don't need to
resort to mass violence or the destruction. Of society you
can follow these rules or follow these systems to better quote.
Unquote yourself and those are twisted rules and twisted systems
like what he.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
Was showing.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
The Judge describe bennington's messages to his victims, as repeated cruel. And,
sadistic ultimately the case never went. To trial bennington pleaded
guilty to two counts. Of Cyberstalking david ryan explained that
one of the primary purposes of sentencing is to protect
the public from future crimes by. The defendant in, This
(17:22):
case bennington served eighteen months. In prison his sentence also
included three years of residential mental, health treatment a no
contact order with, his victims as well as search conditions
allowing law enforcement to monitor his home. And devices david
explains what role he believed social media companies should play
in assisting. Law enforcement.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
It is a federal crime to write, threatening messages to
send threats to individuals on social. Media platforms it's a
federal crime, to, stalk harass or intimidate. Someone online so
these messages that he was sending were, criminal acts just
as sending illicit child pornography or other contraband through these
(18:10):
social media platforms would be a crime that would be
prohibited on. These sites so it gets perfectly appropriate that
these sites have policies and algorithms in place to ensure
that people are not using them to commit. Federal crimes in,
this case a challenge is his accounts were deleted and
he made, new ones but that's certainly better than no action.
(18:30):
Being taken it is very difficult and can, be traumatizing
and it's something for parents to be aware of.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
As well.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
David updated us on the victims in this case and
on the impact of their courage and coming forward.
Speaker 3 (18:49):
It was a very positive thing for the victims in
this case to have the prosecution go forward and to
have this defendant not only in capacitated for a couple,
of years but then receive a significant amount of mentame
health treatment so that they can move on with. Their
Lives and i'm sure it was scary for them to
come forward, because people first, of all maybe don't want
to come forward and involve themselves with, law enforcement or
(19:11):
maybe worry that they will further provoke this person who
is unstable and acting violently. Toward them they also likely
saved countless other girls and women from having to experience
similar or worse harm from, This defendant AND so i
think it's it's not just a brave thing, they did
but a heroic thing that they did to come forward
and get this.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Case done is there anything that you would say to
a parent if your child or yourself are, being victimized
or if you think someone in, your life, your son,
your nephew is going down.
Speaker 5 (19:44):
This, PATH well i think if someone's experiencing this activity
targeted at them or their friend or, FAMILY member i
think one lesson is to understand that it.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
May not just go away on.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Its own and that it can escalate they. Feel rejection
and so if someone does receive sort of messages that
starts to cross the line and suggests that either threatening
or obsessive infatuation that makes them feel uncomfortable, or nervous
that they should reach out to the local police department
(20:18):
or they can reach out TO. The fbi but if
they feel that they're in any sort, of danger the
first step is always to reach out to the local.
Police department federal criminal prosecutions are made every day based
on law enforcement and prosecutors identifying who's behind. The keyboard
so people who think they can hide behind the keyboard
and commit crimes and victimize, people online that's not. The
case and so for those who are experience that, as victims.
(20:41):
Rest assured if you do reach out to, law enforcement
we may be able to come in. And help and as,
a prosecutor our primary goal is to disrupt criminal activity
before new victims, are created and we can't always, do
that but when we are, able too it is often
because someone in the life of, that person either the
(21:05):
offender or, a victim came forward to law enforcement, And,
said hey something is not right HERE and i just
can't encourage, the public and parents and friends of children
who are experiencing this sort of conduct can enchuras them
strongly enough to make that outreach if something doesn't seem.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
Quite right.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
In Speaking With, david ryan the conversation turned to something
none of us had heard, of before the seven six.
Four group The FBI's Child Exploitation Operational Unit Chief abigail boccaccio,
has said people are not understanding the severity the speed
at which their children can. Become victimized these are offenders
(21:47):
that have the ability to change your child's life in
a matter. Of minutes we've said, this before but want
to be. Absolutely clear we are not suggesting that all
in cells, are violent nor are the in cell community
with groups like seven six. Y four they are distinct. And,
different however when we heard about, this newer highly dangerous,
(22:09):
online network it became a matter of. Public concern sharing
this information isn't, about fear it's about awareness. And Prevention david,
ryan explains.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
Seven sixty four is a more recent, threat stream and
certain of the CASES that i have been involved in
our ongoing in the sense that the defendants have not
been sentenced over the last, several years we've seen an
increase in criminal activity from what we call the seven six.
Four group that criminal activity has primarily involved what we,
(22:46):
put exploitation meaning the sexual exploitation of. Children online the
most common way that has played out is members of
this group condregating, online forums Typically on discord or, other
platforms where they can maintain control over a check group
where they can invite users, exclude users and then within
(23:07):
the group they can have live, video chats they can
stream or send, video recordings and within, those groups the
individuals participating in the seven six four network have essentially
helped train each other on how to groom children to
provide them with videos and photographs of themselves engaging in.
(23:27):
Sexual activities once they have those videos, or photographs the
playbook is that the seven six four members will then
use those videos and photographs to blackmail the children to
provide more by threatening them with exposing the photos and
videos that they've. Already gotten.
Speaker 1 (23:50):
The network was founded in twenty twenty One By Bradley,
chance cadenhead a Teenager, From. Stephanville texas the name seven
six y four come from the first three digits of his.
Zip code caden had extorted miners forcing his victims to produce,
pornographic material engage in animal cruelty and. Self harm his
(24:10):
motivations appear to include a desire for status, and power
referring to himself as being a. God Online on, may
sixteenth twenty, twenty three he was sentenced to eighty years.
In prison after, Reviewing evidence the judge presiding over the
Case addressed cadenhead saying there is something horribly wrong. With
You Horribly david. RYAN continues.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
A unique piece for this group is they appear to
be motivated not only by, sexual gratification but also by
what we call a nihilistic, extremist ideology where in their
view and, their discussions they talk about wanting to corrupt
the youth of society to contribute to the decay and
(24:59):
downfall of sit and so they not only demand and
threaten their victims to provide, sexual content they also demand other,
essentially degrading harmful and, violent acts such as they demand
that their victims provide videos of cutting the perpetrators' names
into their bodies, with knives videos of themselves assaulting animals.
(25:22):
Or vomiting they will often engage in essentially a sick
and twisted competitive game to see who can get their
victims to engage in the most painful and vile acts of.
Speaker 2 (25:32):
Self harm they will have their victims.
Speaker 3 (25:34):
Feel compelled to keep providing content because of. The blackmail.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
Let's stop here for. Another break they'll be back in.
A MOMENT the fbi is currently investigating hundreds of cases
(26:10):
related to seven sixty four in. Its Offshoots all field
offices are involved in, some capacity and numerous members and
network leaders have been arrested. And CONVICTED the fbi and
law enforcement agencies have issued public service announcements to raise
awareness of the network and urge parents to. Be vigilant.
Speaker 3 (26:32):
It is a common feature that the grooming will start
with what appears to be a normal. Online relationship so
the seven six full member will love bond a, victim
meeting just overwhelm them, with sweet complementary support, and conversation
offer to send, them money buy, them phones by them
(26:54):
digital currency to use in online, video games and just
be a. Support online develop what appears to be an
actual online, romantic relationship and then it will all change
once they convince the thing to provide the, sexual concept
the seven sixpore members use the sexually explicit content yes
(27:15):
to blackmail the victims who, write more but they use
it within their community as a form of. Social currency
they essentially brag to, Each other Look what i'm able,
To get LOOK what. I had if you look at
the public criminal cases that have, been filed certainly very
strong trend is that this is a community of male
perpetrators perpetrating minor female.
Speaker 2 (27:34):
Of it.
Speaker 1 (27:37):
David mentioned that children are often the victim of. Multiple
offenders we ask them to, clarify why and the answer.
Is horrifying you can see how easily this abuse can grow.
And spread it starts with the members sharing the videos
or photos as currency.
Speaker 3 (27:55):
That allows other members in, the community who then gain
access to those videos and photos to use them to
make contact with the victims who may be in the
group chat And say i'm just as able to expose
you as the initial person to whom you sent these,
videos is and so now you're.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
Beholding to me.
Speaker 3 (28:11):
As well seven sixty four has traditionally committed these sort
of sexual. Exploitation offenses we have, more, recently however also
seen seven six four members engage in, physical violence not through,
the computer but physical violence against victims in, the community
such as shooting or knife attacks in. Other countries there
(28:34):
is a concern that the scope of their criminal activity.
Is expanding there is an increased bush to aggressively confront
and investigate and prosecute those who are leading this group
and actively participating. In it and so you have seen
surge in cases federal criminal cases involve against members of,
this group and would anticipate that federal law enforcement and
(28:58):
local law enforcement focus on.
Speaker 1 (28:59):
The book do you see any overlap crossed over anything
IN the venn diagram between in cells and seven.
Speaker 2 (29:07):
Sixty four one.
Speaker 3 (29:09):
Thing that is common between the in cell root and
the seven to six four group is that they target
and victimize. Children online they do it in different ways
and for. Different reasons one thing that's consistent between these
groups is they will present to the victim as non,
threatening originally and they will in different ways and for,
(29:32):
different reasons and at different times change from non threatening
to threaten and then potentially. To file but they start
as Non threatn and so the challenge, for children which
is maybe too hard of a challenge, for children so
it comes a challenge for parents in the community is
to both educate themselves and their children on, the risks
(29:52):
the threats that are, out there but also to have
appropriate controls and monitoring and relationsh between parents and children
and friends and teachers and children so that they can
intervene before the children sent off down the. WRONG path
i think children present attractive victims in the insult community
(30:16):
for a couple. Of reasons, one, is yes they are potentially,
more vulnerable more susceptible to. The tactics two again on
the more extreme side of the, insul ideology they want
a relationship, of dominance and children are more susceptible to
(30:36):
accepting or being made to accept a. Dominant FABLE and
i think they find, that children, you do maybe emotional
vulnerability or immaturity or lack of context, and experience are
more willing to.
Speaker 2 (30:49):
Embrace that at, the.
Speaker 1 (30:50):
Outset predators pray, on vulnerability often kids who might be
lonely or just looking for a. Connection online but what
starts as attention can very quickly turn, into control manipulation.
Or blackmail if you think someone in your life might be,
in danger do. Not wait david offers some resources and
(31:13):
why it's pivotal that we use them for.
Speaker 3 (31:18):
Our work it is critical to identify the victims who
are being used to make. This content this is less
common with the in, cell cases but when we see
seven sixty, four cases it is absolutely a primary focus
to identify, the victims and a primary focus is to
identify the real individual who's being groomed or blackmailed to
(31:40):
create this content so that we can go make contact
with them and their family and try to get them
help and resources so that they can get out of.
Speaker 2 (31:47):
That cycle and so from a law, enforcement perspective.
Speaker 3 (31:50):
That's why it's again just so important that, number one
parents and friends of those who are being victimized come
forward as quickly as possible to. Report it there is
a nonprofit organization Called The national Center for Missing And
exploited children that receives on a daily basis tips from
(32:11):
social media companies and individuals about child exploitation online and
works with law enforcement to report those tips so that
we can do.
Speaker 2 (32:19):
Further investigation.
Speaker 1 (32:23):
The phone number For The national Center for Missing And
exploited children is one Eight hundred Do The. Lost lost
it's available twenty four hours, a day seven days. A
week the website For The national Center for Missing And
exploited Children is missingkids. Dot org it provides, multiple resources
(32:44):
including one called Take. It down the purpose of Take
it down is to help remove or stop online sharing
of underage sexually exploitative images. Or videos there is, no
cost you can, remain anonymous and you do not have
to send them images. To, anyone.
Speaker 3 (33:03):
Many many cases are made through that, reporting chain and
so we strongly, encourage again parents' friends of those who
you think may be being victimized in this way to
reach out to either, law enforcement local law enforcement who
can make contact WITH, the fbi or To The national
Center For Missing exploited children so that we can follow
up and try to put an end to that victimization
(33:25):
before it gets even more out.
Speaker 2 (33:28):
Of control.
Speaker 1 (33:31):
We Asked david ryan for any, final thoughts something he, wanted,
parents friends and anyone listening. To remember his answer is not.
About fear it's. About action. Reporting matters early warning signs,
save lives and the sooner someone, speaks up the faster
law enforcement can intervene before a threat turns into. A tragedy.
Speaker 3 (33:54):
From the standpoint of, a prosecutor these cases are both
tragic and a significant call to action for the law.
Enforcement community although there has already been, a crime when
an in cell or a seven to six four member
shares content online or threaten. Someone online the important work
for law enforcement is to be in a position to
identify that conduct quickly and disrupt a defendant or an
(34:18):
individual who may be on a pathway to. Physical violence
because when you look at the mass shootings That in cells,
have committed there were often very significant, warning signs, public
statements or private statements that law enforcement wasn't, aware of
and so it's a constant race against time for us
(34:38):
to try to identify and stop these people before they
commit tragic mass shootings or acts of.
Speaker 2 (34:46):
Mass violence.
Speaker 1 (34:50):
For more information on the case and, relevant photos follow
Us on instagram At Kt. Underscore Studios in cells is
Produced By, stephanie Leidecker gaber castillo And Me. Courtney armstrong
additional Producing By connor Powell And, caroline miller Editing By
jeff tooi Music By. Vanicore Studios in cells is a
(35:14):
Production Of kati's Studios And. iHeart radio for more podcasts,
like this Visit the, iHeartRadio App, apple podcasts or wherever
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