Harrowing crimes have increased six-fold between 2022 and 2024, and include child abuse and the sharing of extreme material that normalises horrific violence
The NCA warns of a six-fold increase in harrowing crimes, including child abuse and the sharing of extreme violent content, committed by sadistic online gangs dominated by teenage boys between 2022 and 2024. These groups exist on mainstream platforms and members seek notoriety through inflicting harm or sharing disturbing content, sometimes targeting victims who are unaware a crime is being committed. Authorities urge parents to discuss online activity with children, emphasizing that offenders operating online are not beyond reach, and are using all avenues to make the UK a safer place for children online.
