FBI’s Warning on Gore Groups
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has intensified its efforts against online ‘gore groups,’ announcing a crackdown after the fortunate rescue of a missing teenager, Kylie Arellano. The 17-year-old, missing for over 500 days, was located in Oregon. She had vanished from her Utah home on May 29, 2025, and was discovered alongside a 39-year-old man now in custody.
The FBI has not yet specified the influence ‘gore groups’ may have had in Arellano’s disappearance. Nevertheless, targeting these harmful factions has become a recent priority, emphasizing the issue with the group named 764.
“Tonight, local police in Oregon brought a minor who had been missing for a year and a half to safety, acting on information provided by our FBI Salt Lake City Field Office,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel. “We are grateful she can return home, and we will continue working with our partners to hold those responsible accountable.”
Patel warned, “To anyone using gore groups to target and exploit children: the FBI and our partners are coming for you. We are using every tool at our disposal to combat nihilistic violent extremism, bring offenders to justice, and protect America’s children.”
The Story of Kylie Arellano
Kylie Arellano’s safe return concludes a thorough, multi-agency search engaging numerous state and federal officers. Arellano disappeared when she was only 15 years old, leading to a cooperative investigation by the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office and the Rich County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators pursued leads across the United States and internationally, helped by a wide-reaching public outreach campaign.
Key roles were also played by the Oregon State Police, FBI Portland, and Utah Department of Public Safety in locating the teenager. While details of her disappearance remain unclear, reports suggest initial contact with the suspect was made via Snapchat prior to her disappearance.
The investigation into the suspect is ongoing, with withheld details on identity and charges. Prior investigations revealed Kylie had previously run away after conflict with her mother, Stephanie Coleman, who has denied accusations of physical harm.
Coleman stated, “I have tried so hard to get every law enforcement agency to help me find my daughter.”
News of Arellano’s recovery was met with relief, as highlighted by a post from an account associated with her grandmother celebrating the rescue.
Understanding Gore Groups
The FBI has increased awareness of these groups over the past year, which threaten minors by coercing them into harmful acts. Group 764 and others operate on ideologies promoting societal collapse and violence, exploiting minors through encrypted communications. Members seek to manipulate victims into creating distressing and harmful content.
These groups also manufacture guides for grooming and exploiting victims, particularly targeting those with mental health challenges. Victims can be as young as 13.
Last month, the group’s leader, Prasan “Trippy” Nepal, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit child exploitation. His upcoming sentencing in March 2027 could lead to 15 to 30 years in prison.
Patel emphasized the FBI’s commitment to dismantling such networks, highlighting a 500% surge in arrests linked to 764 last year. “We are finding these criminal actors all over the country no matter where they operate.”
For assistance, victims of sexual violence may contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or through the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) helpline via their website.