Leonidas Varagiannis, known as “War,” and Prasan Nepal, known as “Trippy,” have been charged with running an international child exploitation network called "764." Varagiannis, an American living in Thessaloniki, Greece, was arrested in Greece, while Nepal was arrested in North Carolina. Both await court hearings in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and FBI officials Steven J. Jensen and Christopher G. Raia have revealed these charges. 764 is described as a network of nihilistic violent extremists aiming to destabilize societies, often targeting minors in their activities. Accusations against the defendants include leading a subgroup named 764 Inferno, using encrypted messaging apps to distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and coercing minors into self-harm.
These networks allegedly created "Lorebooks" using such materials as currency, aiding in recruiting and maintaining status within the network. Varagiannis and Nepal are accused of instructing other members in grooming tactics and threatening victims into producing exploitative content. The allegations cover a period from late 2020 through early 2025, with involvement in leadership roles attributed to both.
U.S. Attorney Martin spoke about the disturbing nature of these allegations, emphasizing the need for a swift response to ensure public safety and provide closure for victims. Attorney General Bondi highlighted the mission to prosecute those who exploit children. FBI officials reiterated this goal of dismantling violent networks that harm society, with Jensen asserting the resolve to restore justice for victims and Raia condemning the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch called this network one of the most disturbing encountered, praising the efforts of international and federal partnerships in dismantling such operations.
If convicted, Varagiannis and Nepal face life imprisonment. The case involves the FBI's Washington and New York Field Offices, with support from international agencies like the Hellenic National Police. It is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Trial Attorneys in the Counterterrorism Section.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation. The public is reminded that charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.