A member of an extremely violent organization is suspected of hiding on the internet, managing to lure a 13-year-old girl into self-harm and committing sexual crimes within just two months. US judicial and law enforcement officials are warning parents: “You have no idea what your children are doing online. Any child who can access the internet has become a target for these pathological, mentally disturbed, and devil-like individuals who want to harm your children.”
At a press conference on Monday (23rd), Bill Essayli, the Chief Federal Prosecutor for Central California, introduced this disturbing case. Essayli stated that 18-year-old suspect Matthew Edward Pysher from Pennsylvania is facing federal felony charges. He is accused of luring a just-turned 13-year-old girl to send nude photos and self-harm images online, and then flying from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles to engage in illegal sexual acts and abuse the victim. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Prosecutors pointed out that the abuse pattern carried out by the suspect aligns with the ideology of “Nihilistic Violence Extremism” (NVE). Followers of this ideology are in despair about the world, disdain society, and often brainwash, manipulate, and deceive vulnerable groups through various social media platforms to engage in criminal activities.
“NVE is one of the most twisted and unsettling ideologies online,” Essayli said. “These extremists usually belong to a network such as the notorious ‘764 Network,’ whose goal is to destroy civilized society.”
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell added during the press conference, “This group operates in secret, using layers of anonymity and deception to exploit children and adolescents, gradually eroding their moral boundaries, and coercing vulnerable youth to self-harm or commit violent acts.”
He also issued a warning to criminals, stating, “If you hide behind a screen, fantasizing that anonymity can protect you, we will hold you accountable and seek justice.”
According to sworn statements filed with the indictment, from December last year to February this year, Pysher is alleged to have coerced and encouraged the just-turned 13-year-old girl to send her nude images. He repeatedly encouraged the girl to cut herself with a blade and engage in other acts of self-harm.
On the 10th of this month, the girl’s mother noticed unusual behavior, immediately reported to the authorities, and contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Last Friday (20th), law enforcement agencies seized the victim’s electronic devices in an attempt to identify the suspect hidden online. However, by that time, the victim had run away from home and left a suicide note, escalating the investigation into an emergency.
Investigations revealed that on the 20th, Pysher flew to Los Angeles, first meeting the victim near her home and then taking her to a motel in Castaic, Los Angeles County. Due to the swift action of law enforcement agencies, the victim was ultimately not in life-threatening danger.
Essayli stated, “At the scene, police found a knife, razor blades, lubricant, bloodstained tissues, and Pysher’s boarding pass from Philadelphia to Los Angeles.” “Law enforcement also discovered a signal-blocking bag, which is typically used to block electronic device signals. The victim told authorities that the suspect sexually assaulted her, repeatedly cut her with a knife, and choked her, rendering her unable to speak.” Essayli added, “This is the second case related to NVE criminal activities that our office has handled within a week.”
A few days ago, the FBI issued a warning to parents that infamous networks like the “764 Network” and other Nihilistic Violent Extremist networks targeting children were rapidly increasing.
In the aforementioned case, Pysher contacted the victim through the “Discord” online platform, where the victim was discussing mental health issues in a forum chat. “Many parents may not have heard of it. Discord was initially created for online communication among gamers,” Essayli addressed parents, “I want parents to understand that you may think your child is just playing games or watching YouTube videos, but individuals like Pysher may target your children.”
Authorities advise parents to watch out for signs such as their children suddenly receiving anonymous gifts, unexplained injuries or wounds, sudden interest in anti-social or extremist ideologies, changes in behavior towards pets, and more. If parents suspect their child has been in contact or lured by members of extremist organizations, they should report it immediately.
Authorities also recommend that parents keep teenagers away from the internet. McDonnell said, “Your involvement is critical. Please stay connected with your children, closely monitor their online activities, and use parental control tools.”