FBI agents have dismantled a horrifying international child exploitation ring led by Leonidas Varagiannis of Greece and Prasan Nepal of North Carolina, who now face life in prison. The pair allegedly ran the notorious “764” network, which targeted vulnerable children—some as young as 13—for abuse, coercion, and self-harm, all while spreading their twisted content online. Authorities say the group aimed to destabilize society by exploiting at-risk youth and trading “Lorebooks” of abusive material as currency. The bust marks a major breakthrough in the fight against digital child predators.
Leader Arrested in Greece Had Rapid Rise to Power
Varagiannis was apprehended in Greece while Nepal was arrested in North Carolina. Both men played crucial roles in the organization, with Nepal reportedly involved since the network’s inception and Varagiannis joining in December 2023 before quickly ascending to leadership.
The defendants allegedly used encrypted messaging apps to hide their activities from law enforcement. They directed underage victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct and self-harm while documenting these acts for distribution throughout their network.
Network Deliberately Targeted Vulnerable Children
According to court documents, the group specifically sought out minors with mental health challenges. FBI investigators discovered the network had created detailed guides for finding and exploiting vulnerable children, particularly young girls struggling with psychological issues.
The 764 group frequently changed names and platforms to evade detection by authorities. Their tactics included not only digital exploitation but also coordinating real-world violence against their victims.
Justice Department Vows Maximum Punishment
The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation. Both defendants face potential life sentences if convicted of the charges brought against them.
“These defendants are accused of orchestrating one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises we have ever encountered — a network built on terror, abuse, and the deliberate targeting of children. We will find those who exploit and abuse children, prosecute them, and dismantle every part of their operation,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
🚨 BREAKING: DOJ NAILS GLOBAL S*XTORTION RING LEADERS 🚨
Two monsters — Prasan Nepal, 20 (NC) & Leonidas Varagiannis, 21 (Greece) — were ARRESTED for running “764,” a sadistic global ch*ld e*ploitation network 🩸🌍
🔹 Victims: Minors blackmailed into CSAM, s*lf-h*rm, even… pic.twitter.com/rcZXbi49jj
— Rafael Santiago (@RaphySantiag) May 1, 2025
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. emphasized the gravity of the allegations in stark terms. “The allegations in this case are not only disturbing, they are also every parent’s nightmare,” Martin stated.
The dismantling of this network represents a significant blow against online predators targeting American children. The successful international operation demonstrates that even criminals using sophisticated encryption and operating across borders cannot escape justice when harming the most vulnerable members of society.