A Downey resident has been arrested on federal charges related to possession of child pornography. Authorities allege that Dong Hwan Kim, 27, is a suspected member of the extremist group “764,” which is known for promoting violence and social unrest.
Kim was taken into custody at his home by members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) after a federal search warrant was executed. The arrest follows a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
According to the complaint, multiple minor females reported that Kim enticed them and other minors to create and send sexually explicit images and videos from 2022 to the present. The complaint states that Kim would then extort these victims by threatening to share or actually sharing these materials with their families or others if they did not comply with further demands.
The document alleges that this conduct occurred as part of Kim’s involvement in “764,” described as an online network of nihilistic violent extremists who engage in various forms of criminal activity, including targeting children for sexual exploitation. The group’s stated aim is to accelerate social instability and undermine existing governmental structures.
“The complaint details the nature of the 764, which is known to the FBI as a Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE) group whose members engage in criminal conduct within the United States and abroad, in furtherance of political, social, or religious goals that derive primarily from a hatred of society at large and a desire to bring about its collapse by sowing indiscriminate chaos, destruction, and social instability.”
Authorities describe NVEs as groups that often use social media platforms to target vulnerable individuals—including minors—by sharing exploitative material or grooming victims toward acts of violence. Blackmail tactics may include threats demanding compliance with harmful activities ranging from self-mutilation to acts against others.
The complaint provides details on several incidents where Kim allegedly coerced minors into producing illegal content under threat. One victim reported that Kim operated an online server used for creating, posting, and trading child pornography while also extorting minors into harmful actions.
During their search, agents found several videos and photographs depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in Kim’s possession. They also uncovered evidence suggesting he shared such materials with others online. According to the complaint: “Agents also found evidence that Kim shared with others CSAM videos he produced and, when one associate complimented him, Kim touted his behavior by referring to himself as an ‘og,’ according to the complaint.”
Kim reportedly used online aliases such as “Ryzen” and “Lobster.” The FBI believes there may be additional unidentified victims linked to this case. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact authorities at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
“A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
If convicted on current charges, Kim could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
The investigation involves cooperation between the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force—with support from both Los Angeles Police Department and Downey Police Department—and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David T. Ryan.
