UK warns of emerging threat from ‘sadistic’ online ‘Com networks’ of teenage boys

Summary: British law enforcement is raising alarms about online networks of teenage boys engaged in harmful criminal activities, with the National Crime Agency (NCA) highlighting a troubling rise in such behaviors. These groups, known as “Com networks,” are linked to various crimes, including cyber offenses and child exploitation, and have reportedly increased six-fold from 2022 to 2024. The NCA is working with tech companies and safeguarding agencies to combat this phenomenon and protect potential victims, particularly young girls.

Affected: National Crime Agency (NCA) and teenage victims

Keypoints :

• Online networks of teenage boys pose significant threats, sharing violent and misogynistic content.
• The NCA noted a six-fold increase in reports of threats from these networks between 2022 and 2024.
• Collaborative efforts are ongoing with tech companies and psychologists to address the complexities of these online groups.
• Parents are encouraged to engage in regular discussions with their children about online activities for better safeguarding.