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Police concerned about international, extremely violent "The Com" network - victims mainly children and young people

Updated: May 14

Press Release


Helsinki, 7 May - The police are closely monitoring the international, extremely violent "The Com" network that operates online and in the real world, and there are indications that its activities have also reached Finland. The network's victims include children, young people and vulnerable people in particular. The police are asking those close to children and young people to be vigilant in this matter.


This press release has been translated and adapted into English by Protect Children.



Finnish police are warning about the international "The Com" network, in which children and young people are lured, manipulated, blackmailed and forced to use extreme violence against themselves and others. The activities also include various acts of damage, arson, and graffiti. Authorities worldwide have warned about networks that often seek to victimize young people who are in a vulnerable position or state of mind.


At the international level, features of even violent extremism and terrorism have been observed in the activities of "The Com" network, as activities related to harming children and young people have in some contexts sought to accelerate the collapse of societies. The "764" organization operating within the network has also been associated with features of violent Satanism.


The lure into the network's activities takes place on social media channels and gaming platforms used by children and young people. Typically, a conversation is initiated with the victim, during which a trusting, even romantic, relationship is established with the child or young person. After this, the victim is enticed to share private information about themselves, which the perpetrators use to manipulate the victim into sending violent, suicidal, or sexually suggestive material.


– After this, the young person is blackmailed with the information provided and forced to hurt themselves, their loved ones, pets, or even complete strangers and to film the acts of violence. Violent material is circulated in groups and used to blackmail and force young people to commit increasingly brutal acts of violence and serious crimes. The activities are manipulative and extremely cruel, describes Criminal Inspector Jyri Hiltunen from the Central Criminal Police.


The networks operate worldwide. In Finland, the police have been monitoring the situation closely and have observed indications that Finnish children and young people are also becoming victims of these networks.


Adults, be vigilant

The police are urging parents, loved ones and professionals working with children and youth to be vigilant about this phenomenon. In collaboration with the Canadian Police, Protect Children has listed several different signs on its website that parents should pay attention to.


The most important of these are sudden changes in the child or young person's behaviour, cutting and the use of encrypted communication devices. In addition, writing different names and numbers, often in blood, on notebooks and walls, for example, is typical and the cut wounds may be peculiarly shaped. A sudden interest in extremist thinking, conspiracy theories, school shootings, serial killers, or the occult can be a warning sign. The full list can be found here: Violent online communities ("The Com") target vulnerable children and young people.

Nina Vaaranen-Valkonen, executive director of Protect Children, a specialist and psychotherapist, emphasizes that smartphones are not just technical devices, but they open the door for children to a complex and often challenging social environment.


– In the digital environment, children encounter significantly older young people and adults who have a position of power over the child. Despite the shocking nature of the phenomenon of violence, it is important to remember that support and help are available – both for children who have been victims and for their parents, says Vaaranen-Valkonen. Parents and other adults should discuss with young people the risks associated with conversations with strangers on gaming platforms and social media. It is especially important to emphasize how sharing personal information or violent or sexual material can lead to harmful situations.


– The most important thing is that the adults in the children's lives are aware of what the children are doing, what they are doing and who they are spending their time with on social media and gaming platforms. If a child or young person has come into contact with people from "The Com" network, they always need the help of an adult to break free from the networks and to get help in processing what they have seen and experienced. Since breaking free from the network is often accompanied by blackmail, it is important that the police are also contacted in this matter, Hiltunen emphasizes.


If you suspect that a child or young person has been a victim of violence networks, contact the authorities immediately. If necessary, you can send a tip to the police anonymously via the police's online tip service, Net tip - Police. In an emergency, you should always contact emergency services.


If you believe that you have been a victim of a crime in the above-mentioned ways, collect all information related to the incident (platforms, usernames, profile pictures and any discussions) and report the incident immediately to the online tip service. Reporting incidents helps the authorities to hold perpetrators accountable and, most importantly, to prevent future crimes against children.


Young people, remember:

Help is available if you are experiencing bullying, threats, incitement to violence or blackmail online. Even if you experience difficult feelings and disappointment in yourself in a situation where you have shared violent or sexual material about yourself online, it is essential to tell an adult. Adults are not only willing, but also able to help you.


Tell your parents as early as possible or contact an adult you can trust. Through the Police Youth and Crime | I Need Help, you can find contact with anonymous services and chats, where you can get help and support or a friend to talk to 24/7.


Be careful not to give out personal information to strangers online. The network's operations include sharing images and information among all members.


If you encounter groups online that encourage suicidal or violent behavior, tell a trusted adult about it.


Protect Children is actively working to ensure that no child becomes a victim of sexual harassment, solicitation or other sexual violence. Learn about our new Early is Best project, which aims to promote the well-being of children and young people and protect them from sexual violence in Finland:





Also check out the guide for parents and guardians, which offers practical tips for promoting digital safety for children and young people in everyday digital life:





Protect Children has translated and adapted the guidelines produced by the Canadian police for identifying the activities of violent online communities and promoting the safety of children and young people online.



For more information, please contact:


Nina Vaaranen-Valkonen, Executive Director, Specialist, Psychotherapist.

Chair of the Victims and Perpetrators Sub-Working Group, INTERPOL’s Special Group on Crimes against Children (SGCAC)

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