Particle.news

Europol’s Project Compass Reports 30 Arrests in Global Action Against Youth-Led ‘Com’ Network

Built on shared intelligence across 28 countries, the effort targets a decentralized youth‑focused network.

Overview

  • Europol detailed initial results: 30 arrests since the initiative began in January 2025 and 179 perpetrators fully or partially identified.
  • Investigators identified up to 62 victims and directly safeguarded four, with further inquiries continuing.
  • The Com is described as a decentralized collective of mostly teenagers and young adults linked to ransomware, extortion, coercion of children, and incidents of physical violence.
  • The operation brings together EU states, Norway, Switzerland, and all Five Eyes partners, with agencies including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Counter Terrorism Policing, and the UK National Crime Agency.
  • Authorities highlighted actions against an offshoot known as 764, with alleged leaders Leonidas Varagiannis and Prasan Nepal charged in April 2025 and several U.S. defendants arrested or pleading guilty in related cases.