Europe Europol warns: online cult groups force children into violence
Europol has warned of the increasing danger of extremely violent cult groups on the Internet.
20.02.2025, 14:43
SDA
According to a report by the police authority in The Hague, these groups primarily target vulnerable children and young people and force them to commit extreme acts of violence and watch sex videos. It concerns criminal networks that also use cyber grooming to fuel acts of terrorism, chaos and violence. Grooming is defined as adults making advances on children via the internet.
According to information from Europol, the groups are organized like cults around a charismatic leader. The members would have to share videos with extreme violence or sex. The more content, the higher up they would be in the group.
Victims from the age of eight
The perpetrators would specifically look for their victims on gaming platforms, streaming services or social media. They are often vulnerable young people between the ages of 8 and 17, ethnic or sexual minorities, with mental health problems. In some cases, even self-help groups have been infiltrated. The videos could ultimately be used to blackmail the victims into committing even more acts of violence.
