Netherlands: Children Involved in Violent Online Networks & Abuse Cases

The Growing Involvement of Dutch Youth in Violent Online Networks

The involvement of Dutch youth in a disturbing and expanding network of online violence has become a significant concern for authorities. Recent investigations reveal that at least seventy Dutch citizens, a majority of whom are minors, are connected to a sadistically-oriented online community known as ‘Com’. This network facilitates the exchange of extreme content and, alarmingly, encourages members to engage in real-world acts of violence, abuse, and exploitation. The situation has prompted calls for increased prevention efforts, greater parental and school involvement, and updated legal frameworks to address this evolving threat.

The ‘Com’ network, as described by the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS), isn’t a single entity but rather a complex ecosystem of interconnected chat groups. These groups operate across various platforms, recruiting vulnerable young people through social media and gaming platforms. Members are then subjected to coercion, pressured into participating in acts ranging from animal cruelty and sexual abuse to inciting violence and even contemplating murder. The HCSS analysis highlights a disturbing trend: the lines between victim and perpetrator are often blurred, with individuals who were once exploited potentially becoming instigators themselves, seeking to elevate their status within the community.

A Network of Overlapping Communities

The ‘Com’ network is comprised of several distinct, yet overlapping, communities. ‘Cyber Com’, the oldest of these, focuses primarily on cybercrime. Around 2021, ‘Sextortion Com’ emerged, exploiting individuals through sexual coercion, and blackmail. More recently, groups like ‘764’ have gained prominence, specializing in grooming, sexual extortion, and encouraging self-harm. A particularly concerning offshoot, ‘Offline Com’ – including the group ‘No Lives Matter’ – actively promotes violence in the physical world, ranging from vandalism to more serious assaults.

The severity of the situation is underscored by the Dutch Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) classifying ‘No Lives Matter’ as a terrorist organization. Justin B., identified as a key figure and suspected founder of the group, appeared in court in October 2025 facing charges related to his involvement. He is also suspected of verkrachting (rape) and possessing child pornography, according to reporting from Omroep Brabant.

The Risks and the Radicalization Process

Researchers at HCSS warn that the network poses an increasing security threat, with a real risk of radicalizing young people and inciting real-world attacks. The constant exposure to extremely violent imagery and the normalization of abuse within these online spaces can lead to desensitization, distorted perceptions, and a diminished respect for human life. This is particularly concerning given the age of many involved; the majority are described as young men and boys, while many of the victims are girls and young women.

The FBI reported a threefold increase in cases related to nihilistic violent extremism in the United States in September 2025, a phenomenon linked to similar online communities. These individuals are often motivated by “violence for the sake of violence” and “extreme (sexual) power abuse.” While some groups may harbor broader ideological goals, such as establishing a white ethnostate, the core driver appears to be a desire for power and control through inflicting harm.

What Authorities Are Saying and Doing

The Nationaal Coördinator Terrorismebestrijding en Veiligheid (NCTV), the Dutch National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security, designated ‘Com’ as a “recent source of terrorist threat” in December 2025. Officials expressed concern that the constant exposure to violent content can lead to “violent fantasies” and “mental dulling” among young people, lowering the threshold for engaging in real-world violence.

The police and Public Prosecutor’s Office have long recognized the growing problem of ‘Com’ groups. The HCSS research, conducted in collaboration with the Capitol Terrorists Exposers (CTE) research collective, aims to provide a deeper understanding of the network’s structure, dynamics, and potential threats. The report emphasizes the demand for a multi-faceted approach, including increased prevention efforts, greater awareness among parents and schools, and the development of legal mechanisms to enable swift intervention.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: The Current State of Knowledge

While the scale of the problem is becoming clearer, several details remain uncertain. The exact number of Dutch citizens involved in the network may be higher than the reported seventy, and the full extent of the harm inflicted on victims is still being investigated. The report did not specify the precise nature of the attacks authorities fear could be carried out.

It remains unclear how effectively current laws can be applied to address the unique challenges posed by these online communities. The HCSS report advocates for legal reforms that would allow authorities to intervene more quickly and effectively, but the specifics of these proposed changes have not yet been outlined.

The Path Forward: Prevention and Intervention

Addressing the ‘Com’ network requires a comprehensive strategy that focuses on both prevention and intervention. This includes:

• Raising Awareness: Educating parents, educators, and young people about the dangers of these online communities and the tactics used to recruit vulnerable individuals.
• Strengthening Online Safety Measures: Improving monitoring and reporting mechanisms on social media and gaming platforms to identify and remove harmful content and accounts.
• Providing Support for Victims: Offering specialized counseling and support services to individuals who have been exploited or abused within the network.
• Enhancing Law Enforcement Capabilities: Equipping law enforcement agencies with the resources and expertise needed to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in these activities.
• International Cooperation: Collaborating with international partners to share information and coordinate efforts to disrupt the network’s operations.

The situation demands urgent attention and a coordinated response to protect vulnerable young people from the devastating consequences of involvement in these violent online communities. The HCSS report serves as a critical wake-up call, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address this emerging threat. You can locate more information about the HCSS research on their website: HCSS Focus | Het Com-netwerk.