Photo credit: www.cbsnews.com
Authorities have arrested two leaders of an online network they describe as a significant threat in child exploitation. Known as a violent entity, this group has been linked to operations that are among the most egregious seen in recent history.
Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, who goes by “War,” and 20-year-old Prasan Nepal, known as “Trippy,” are facing severe allegations. They are accused of exploiting vulnerable children by manipulating and coercing them into creating explicit and degrading content. If convicted, both could face life sentences, as indicated by a news release from the Justice Department.
Reports suggest that some of the victims were as young as 13 years old.
“The nature of the accusations is deeply troubling and represents a nightmare scenario for parents everywhere,” stated U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward R. Martin Jr. in the release. “The scale of exploitation and the level of depravity involved are astonishing.”
The network, referred to as 764, is characterized by its goal to undermine societal norms through the corruption and exploitation of its most vulnerable members, particularly minors. This network reportedly operated from late 2020 through early 2023.
The Justice Department explained that Varagiannis and Nepal were leaders of a specific subgroup within 764, using encrypted messaging platforms to orchestrate the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
“These individuals not only exploited children but also recruited others to join in their efforts, devising guidelines to create the offensive content they sought,” noted FBI Director Kash Patel in the news release.
Nepal was apprehended in North Carolina last week, while Varagiannis was detained on Monday in Greece, where he resides. He was arrested based on an international warrant. Varagiannis has denied the allegations and is contesting extradition; his lawyer and Greek judicial authorities have confirmed this information to The Associated Press.
“During the time these alleged crimes occurred, he lived in Greece,” said Xanthippi Moysidou, Varagiannis’ attorney. “Thus, Greek law holds jurisdiction over this matter, and his extradition is not permissible.”
Source
www.cbsnews.com