The National Crime Agency (NCA) has identified a disturbing trend of teenage boys forming online networks to groom girls as young as 11, coercing them into self-harm, sexual abuse, and other violent acts. These groups, known as “Com networks,” operate on platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Roblox, leveraging encryption and private chats to evade detection. Reports of such exploitation have surged sixfold between 2022 and 2024, with thousands of offenders exchanging millions of abusive messages.1
Grooming Tactics and Victim Profiles
The gangs employ psychological manipulation, threatening victims with doxxing, swatting, or blackmail to maintain control. Case studies reveal girls like Mary (14), groomed into sharing self-harm and sexual content, and Sally’s daughter (12), manipulated into sending nudes.2 Offenders, predominantly boys aged 13–19, are often socially isolated and motivated by notoriety or financial gain. Cameron Finnigan (19) and Richard Ehiemere (17) exemplify this, convicted for terror offenses and distributing child sexual abuse material, respectively.3
Platform Vulnerabilities and Law Enforcement Challenges
Despite efforts by Telegram and Discord to remove harmful content, encrypted channels and private chats complicate moderation. The NCA has conducted undercover operations and collaborated with tech firms, but Graeme Biggar, NCA Director General, notes:
“These groups exist in the same online spaces young people use daily. Victims often don’t recognize they’re being exploited.”
Mitigation Strategies
To combat this threat, the following measures are recommended:
- Tech Companies: Implement AI-driven moderation and stricter age verification under the UK’s Online Safety Act.
- Parents/Caregivers: Monitor activity using parental controls and discuss online risks openly.
- Government: Enforce platform regulations via Ofcom and fund victim mental health support.
The rise of Com networks underscores the need for coordinated action between law enforcement, tech companies, and families. Resources like CEOP Education and Shorespace offer safeguarding tools and support for at-risk teens.5
References
- National Crime Agency (NCA). “Online Exploitation Trends Report.” 2025.
- ITV News. “Sadistic and Violent: NCA Warns of Online Gangs.” March 25, 2025.
- BBC News. “Teen Boys Convicted in Online Grooming Case.” 2025.
- The Guardian. “Online Gangs of Teenage Boys Pose Emerging Threat.” March 25, 2025.
- CEOP Education. “Safeguarding Tools for Families.” Accessed May 7, 2025.
