Horry Co. teen accused of ‘extreme and unsettling’ extortion tied to ‘764’ network

An Horry County teenager was arrested for an “extreme and unsettling” violent online extortion network, according to a release from the Horry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).

According to HCSO, deputies received a cyber tip from the social gaming platform Discord regarding possible school violence and worked with the FBI Columbia field office during the investigation.

Authorities said investigators uncovered exploitation tied to an online network known as “764,” which federal officials describe as a violent extremist group that targets minors and vulnerable individuals through manipulation, threats and blackmail.

Deputies identified a 16-year-old student allegedly linked to the online exchanges and took the teen into custody.

In a 2025 public service announcement, federal authorities warned that members of the “764” network allegedly coerce minors into producing or live-streaming acts involving self-harm, animal cruelty, sexually explicit acts and suicide. Investigators said the material is then circulated online among group members

Authorities said suspects often threaten to release the videos publicly or send them to victims’ families and friends to continue extortion and maintain control over victims.

Read more: WPDE