A teenager from the Edmonton area is facing new charges following a terrorism peace bond for alleged links to an online network of violent extremism.
The 15-year-old was initially arrested in May, with RCMP starting peace bond proceedings under a fear of terrorism offence.
Investigators said at the time they believed the youth would commit terrorism offences related to the 764 online network, which targets vulnerable children by prowling gaming sites like Minecraft and Roblox and lures victims into private online chats.
According to RCMP, the 764 network encourages youth “to commit sexual acts, self-harm, and the torture of animals, and elements of it “are known to have extreme ideological views and are victimizing children through desensitizing and radicalizing them to violence.”
Police said Thursday that the move was related to “escalatory behaviour in a February 2025 incident.”
A peace bond allows investigators to monitor people who appear likely to commit a crime when there’s no evidence of an actual offence.
RCMP said a forensic examination of the youth’s electronic devices led to the latest charges. They include participating in activity of a terrorist group, willful promotion of hatred, uttering threats and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Police haven’t provided additional information about the teen, who can’t be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, but CBC News has confirmed at prior court appearances that he is a boy.
He continues to be in custody at the Edmonton Young Offender Centre, according to RCMP.
The teen is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
