RCMP on Vancouver Island are warning parents and caregivers about a violent online group targeting children in popular games such as Roblox and Minecraft. The West Shore RCMP is currently investigating three reports involving a group called 764, which is part of a larger online network known as the Com.
Details of the Investigation
According to a news release from the West Shore RCMP, the Com glorifies serious violence, cruelty, and gore, deliberately targeting and recruiting vulnerable children aged 8 to 17. These groups operate on social media platforms like Discord, Telegram, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch, and other streaming services.
Investigators have identified that predators use grooming processes to establish trusting or romantic relationships, or employ power and coercive tactics to compel victims to engage in serious violence, self-harm, or gore activities. These acts may include recording or photographing themselves, siblings, or others in explicit poses, harming or killing animals, or attempting suicide.
Warning Signs for Parents
The West Shore RCMP has listed several signs for parents and caregivers to watch for in children:
- A new online friend or network they seem infatuated with or scared of.
- Receiving anonymous gifts, items delivered to home, currency, gaming currency, or other virtual items.
- An interest in consuming gore content, disasters, self-harm, suicide, moral nihilism, occultism, or True Crime Community content.
- Writing in blood or what appears to be blood.
- Spending more time on the internet, unsupervised or alone in their room.
- Spending more money online or asking for money more often than usual.
How to Report
Anyone who suspects a child or youth is being targeted online is urged to report the information to cybertip.ca or contact the police. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
This warning comes as authorities continue to investigate the extent of the group's activities on Vancouver Island. The RCMP emphasizes the importance of vigilance and open communication between parents and children regarding online safety.
