A troubling rise in the blackmail of teenage boys through nude photos has emerged, with federal authorities arresting two key figures, Leonidas Varagiannis (21) and Prasan Nepal (20), linked to a significant online exploitation network known as “764 Inferno.” This network is part of a broader group labeled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as violent extremists, with a focus on corrupting and exploiting vulnerable populations, particularly minors.
Varagiannis, arrested in Greece, and Nepal, apprehended in North Carolina, allegedly orchestrated malicious schemes that exploited children for sexual material. Their activities reportedly intensified from late 2020 to early 2025, utilizing encrypted messaging for grooming and extortion. Both men are accused of coercing at least eight victims under 18 into committing harmful acts, including self-mutilation, in a form of manipulation categorized as “sextortion.”
The FBI has highlighted an alarming increase in these types of cybercriminal networks, warning that they operate on familiar platforms like social media and gaming sites, making young people more susceptible. This modern crime wave leverages a variety of threats, including inducing self-harm and sexual exploitation of peers and family.
The ramifications of their actions are severe, and if convicted, Varagiannis and Nepal face potential life sentences. Their arrests are regarded as a positive step in combating organized online crime, which is often fueled by a small group of prolific offenders. Resources are available for anyone affected, emphasizing community awareness and support against these predatory practices.
