Edmonton-area youth, 15, arrested for terrorism-related offence
An Edmonton-area youth has been arrested for a terrorism-related offence, with RCMP linking the 15-year-old to a violent online network that targets vulnerable children. According to RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s National Security Enforcement Team, the arrest took place on May 12 and the youth is currently in custody. Police have initiated proceedings for a terrorism peace bond under section 810.011 of the Criminal Code, which allows investigators to monitor individuals deemed likely to commit a crime even in the absence of concrete evidence.
The youth is believed to have connections to the 764 online network, which preys on vulnerable children through popular gaming platforms like Minecraft and Roblox before luring them into private chats on Discord and Telegram. Described by RCMP as an “online ecosystem of violent online predators,” the 764 network encourages youth, particularly those in vulnerable sectors, to engage in sexual acts, self-harm, and even the torture of animals. Some members of the network hold extreme ideological views and are known to desensitize and radicalize children towards violence.
Due to the nature of the case and the age of the individual, the youth cannot be named in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. A bail hearing for the youth has been scheduled at the Alberta Court of Justice in Edmonton on June 3.
In a related video, Marc-André Argentino, a senior researcher at Public Safety Canada, sheds light on how members of the 764 network exploit minors for status and popularity within the group. This disturbing trend highlights the importance of vigilance and education when it comes to protecting young individuals from online predators and extremist influences.
