In a shocking case that has sent ripples across the globe, a 20-year-old man of Nepali origin, Prasan Nepal, has been arrested in High Point, North Carolina, USA, for allegedly masterminding an international child exploitation network known as 764. The arrest, announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on April 30, 2025, has drawn significant attention in Nepal, raising concerns about the activities of diaspora members abroad.
A Disturbing Network with Global Reach
Prasan Nepal, who went by the alias “Trippy,” was apprehended on April 22, 2025, and appeared in a U.S. federal court, where he admitted to founding and controlling the 764 network. According to an affidavit unsealed in Washington, D.C., 764 is described as a “nihilistic violent extremist” group that seeks to destabilize society by exploiting vulnerable populations, particularly minors. The network, active since late 2020, allegedly targeted children as young as 13, coercing them into producing child sexual abuse material, engaging in self-harm, and committing violent acts, including animal cruelty and, in extreme cases, suicide.
Nepal, alongside 21-year-old Leonidas Varagiannis, a U.S. citizen residing in Thessaloniki, Greece, known as “War,” is accused of leading a core subgroup called 764 Inferno. Operating through encrypted messaging platforms, the group reportedly exploited at least eight minors across multiple jurisdictions, using psychological manipulation and threats to achieve their goals.
“This is one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises we have encountered,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, emphasizing the network’s reliance on terror and abuse to target children.
Courtroom Admissions and Family’s Shock
During a court hearing in North Carolina, covered by local media outlet ABC11, Nepal confessed to creating the 764 network and maintaining control over its operations. His family, including his parents, older sister, and younger brother, attended the hearing, expressing disbelief. Nepal’s sister testified that the family was unaware of his alleged involvement, stating they observed no signs of such activities. The case is now being transferred to Washington, D.C., for further proceedings, and Nepal’s attorney declined to comment.
U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. described the allegations as “every parent’s nightmare,” highlighting the scale of victimization and the depravity involved. If convicted, Nepal faces a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison.
Implications for Nepal’s Diaspora
The case has sparked discussions in Nepal about the challenges faced by the Nepali diaspora, particularly young individuals navigating life abroad. Prasan Nepal, born to Nepali parents in the United States, was raised in High Point, a city with a small but growing Nepali community. While the Nepali population in the U.S. includes both immigrants and U.S.-born individuals of Nepali descent, this incident has raised questions about cultural integration, mental health, and the influence of online spaces on youth.
“This case is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in digital platforms, especially for young people who may be vulnerable to extremist ideologies,” said Dr. Sarita Gurung, a Kathmandu-based sociologist studying diaspora communities. “It’s a wake-up call for families and communities to foster open dialogue with the younger generation, whether in Nepal or abroad.”
A Call for Vigilance
The 764 network’s activities, which included creating “Lorebooks” of exploitative material and promoting ideologies linked to satanism and neo-Nazism, have alarmed authorities worldwide. In Nepal, where internet penetration is rapidly increasing, experts are urging parents and educators to monitor children’s online activities and educate them about digital safety.
The arrests of Nepal and Varagiannis are part of the U.S. FBI’s broader efforts to dismantle 764, with FBI Director Kash Patel noting that the duo were core leaders of the group. The case falls under Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. initiative to combat child exploitation.
As the legal process unfolds, the Nepali government has not issued an official statement, but community leaders in Kathmandu have expressed solidarity with the victims. “Our hearts go out to the children and families affected by this horrific network,” said Anil Shrestha, a community organizer in Lalitpur. “We must work together to protect our youth from such predators, no matter where they are.”
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the global reach of online crime and the urgent need for international cooperation to safeguard vulnerable populations. As Nepal grapples with the implications of this high-profile arrest, the focus remains on supporting victims and preventing such atrocities in the future.
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