Marek Cherkaoui, 21, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, was arrested on federal cyberstalking charges related to his involvement in a Nihilistic Violent Extremist network known as 764. He made his initial court appearance in the District of New Jersey and was ordered detained.

Court filings state that between December 2024 and May 2025, Cherkaoui used the internet to threaten a minor female and urged her to harm herself, resulting in the girl cutting her arms on two occasions.

Investigators allege that Cherkaoui regularly posted online comments supporting violence and expressing allegiance to the 764 network. He allegedly advocated for mass shooters, solicited child sexual abuse material from minors, and encouraged others to commit self-harm and violence.

Authorities previously discovered he had obtained books on making explosives and items such as body armor, zip ties, ski masks, and tactical gear, many of which were seized during a search of his home in June 2025. During another search conducted at the time of his arrest, agents recovered writings in which he described and planned acts of murder and terrorism, including a detailed plan to join ISIS and return to the United States to carry out attacks.

The charge of cyberstalking a minor carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the New Jersey State Police, is conducting the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey and the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.

The Department of Justice continues to monitor the threat posed by Nihilistic Violent Extremist networks like 764, which use online platforms to exploit and manipulate victims, often minors, into engaging in self-harm, sexual exploitation, violence, and other criminal activity.

Commentary

In the above matter, the extremist group exploited children to engage in self-harm. Children who are self-harming are often in significant emotional distress and may go to great lengths to conceal their injuries. In child-serving environments, recognizing risk early depends on noticing changes in a child's physical appearance, habits, mood, and social behavior and responding with calm concern rather than judgment.

Below are warning signs of self-harm:

·       Unexplained cuts, scratches, burns, bruises, or bite marks, especially on arms, thighs, or torso

·       Scars in clusters or patterns, or at different stages of healing

·       Frequent "accidental" injuries that do not match the explanation given

·       Regular use of long sleeves, long pants, or bandages in hot weather or when not typical for the setting

·       Avoiding sports, swimming, or activities that require changing clothes or showing skin

·       Increased secrecy, social withdrawal, or avoiding trusted adults

·       Spending unusual amounts of time alone, especially in bathrooms or secluded areas

·       Sudden mood swings, irritability, tearfulness, or emotional numbness

·       Statements about feeling hopeless, worthless, self-hating, or like a burden

·       Intense interest in, or talk or jokes about, self-harm, injury, or death

·       Decline in school or program participation, concentration, or performance

·       Keeping sharp objects, lighters, or other potential self-harm tools in belongings or private spaces

·       Bloodstained tissues, clothing, or towels without a clear explanation

·       Recent exposure to bullying, social exclusion, loss, trauma, or major stressors at home or school

In any child-safe environment, these signs should prompt a supportive, private conversation, careful documentation, and timely referral to mental health and medical professionals, consistent with the organization's child protection and crisis-response procedures.