Two key participants of the CVLT criminal online group, involved in the exploitation of minors, have been arrested in the United States. The 23 and 42-year-old administrators of the community operated on social networks and gaming platforms, according to reports.
Europol reports that the attackers deliberately targeted vulnerable teenagers, particularly those with mental health issues or those who had experienced violence. The criminals coerced minors into creating explicit materials and exposed them to hard and extreme content.
Following this, the group members resorted to blackmail, threatening to distribute the incriminating materials among the victims’ friends and family. The pressure led the adolescents to engage in even more dangerous activities.
The coordinated operation that led to the detentions involved Europol, the US Department of Homeland Security, the French National Police, the National Crime Agency, and the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs.
An investigation uncovered a vast criminal network of communities collectively known as “The COM”. The group compelled victims to harm themselves, such as cutting hair, self-harm, and other perilous actions, including applying cult symbols on their bodies.
The attackers operated across various online platforms popular among young people, including social networks, gaming services, and mobile applications.
At their peak, the cult members coerced victims into live streaming acts of self-harm. Authorities do not yet have precise information on the repercussions of these actions.
Prior to these arrests, two other individuals linked to the group were also apprehended. Of the four suspects in custody, three held prominent positions within the criminal community, as per Europol. Efforts are ongoing to identify additional members of the network.