02/04/2026: Com Networks – Inflicting harm and committing a range of criminality.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued a high-level warning regarding sadistic online communities that are accessible in the UK. They refer to seemingly innocent online community networks, but can cause immense harm both online and offline, including physical, sexual and financial crimes.

Known as a Com Network (Community Network), these exclusive digital clubs operate on the fringes of mainstream platforms. Largely composed of teenage boys, these groups often move from mainstream social media (Facebook, Snapchat etc), gaming networks (E.g. Roblox) or other public forums to private group chats on platforms like Discord, Telegram or Instagram.

While they may initially appear to centre on hobbies like gaming, coding, or music, the focus quickly shifts toward a high-pressure hierarchy where social status is gained through digital power or the possession of rare online assets. Users are then pressured to participate in extreme challenges or acquire dangerous images. This environment transforms into a platform where members collaborate or compete to incite self-harm, sexual abuse, and suicide, particularly among young girls, driven by the singular motivation to elevate their standing within the group.

Offenders actively seek out vulnerable individuals, including those using online forums for mental health, body image disorders, neurodiversity, support for self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or recovery from abuse. Targeting may also be driven by misogyny, racism, religious bias or other biases and ideologies.

More information: [ Further information (Ineqe)] | [ National Crime Agency Briefing]