There has been a rise in online cult communities dedicated to "extremely violent" child abuse, warned the European Union's law enforcement agency, Europol, on Thursday. Parents and educators are encouraged to be vigilant of odd behaviour.
According to Europol, there are a series of interconnected groups which use digital platforms to normalise extreme cruelty, extort victims, and radicalise individuals into committing violent acts.
These communities often use social media, streaming services, and online gaming platforms to identify victims. Sometimes, support communities are also infiltrated by perpetrators. The main targets are vulnerable minors between eight to 17 years old. "Especially LGBTQ+, racial minorities, and those struggling with mental health issues," Europol added.
Those operating the "cults" use different tactics to manipulate their victims encouraging self-harm, harming others, or producing sexual content. "Authorities have identified several cases where members caused serious injuries and perpetrated murders, targeting family members as well as passers-by," the agency reported.
The online groups are formed around charismatic leaders with a hierarchy that is based on the amount of content shared. The violent content ranges from animal cruelty, child sexual exploitation, and murder.
"These networks radicalise minds in the shadows, inciting them to bring violence into the real world," says the head of Europol, Catherine De Bolle. "Awareness is our first line of defence."
Europol offers several tips to keep children out of the hands of these types of abusers. Guardians and teachers are encouraged to be aware of behaviour such as secrecy about online activity, emotional distress, isolation, change in language, and interest in harmful content.
Responsible adults should also be wary of any unusual activity on platforms, children's interactions with unknown contacts, encrypted communications, and exposure to disturbing content.
