A Downey resident, Dong Hwan Kim, 27, was arrested on Wednesday by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) after a federal search warrant was executed at his home. Kim is charged with possession of child pornography and is expected to make his initial court appearance in Los Angeles.
According to a federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, several minor females reported that Kim enticed them and other minors to produce and send sexually explicit images and videos between 2022 and the present. The complaint states that Kim then extorted these victims by threatening to share or actually sharing the material with their family members or others if they did not comply with further demands.
The complaint alleges that Kim’s actions were connected to his participation in an online network known as “764,” which the FBI identifies as a Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE) group. Members of this group are described as engaging in criminal activity within the United States and abroad, motivated by a hatred of society and a desire to create chaos and instability.
The FBI reports that NVEs often target vulnerable individuals, including minors, using social media platforms to share child sexual abuse material (CSAM), gore content, or groom victims for violent acts. Victims may be blackmailed into various forms of compliance, ranging from self-harm to sexual exploitation or violence against others.
One minor victim stated that Kim operated an online server where he and others created, posted, and traded child pornography. The victim also alleged that minors were coerced into writing names on their skin, cutting themselves, or inserting objects into their genitals at Kim’s direction.
During the search of Kim’s residence, agents found several CSAM videos and photographs. Evidence also indicated that Kim shared these materials with others online. According to the complaint, when complimented by an associate about his actions, Kim referred to himself as an “og.”
Kim reportedly used online aliases such as “Ryzen” and “Lobster.” Authorities believe there may be additional unidentified victims. The FBI encourages anyone who has been victimized or knows of a victim related to this case to contact them 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 the charges outlined in the complaint, Kim could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force with assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department and Downey Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney David T. Ryan, Chief of the National Security Division, is prosecuting this case.
