Nihilist violent extremism and sadistic online exploitation: the Association’s Observatory publishes its first practical guide

In response to the emergence of criminal networks targeting minors online, the e-Enfance / 3018 Association has published its first practical guide: «Nihilistic violent extremism and sadistic online exploitation: identifying, understanding, protecting».

Aimed at professionals who work with young people, this document provides insights and practical tools for identifying high-risk situations, supporting victims and mobilising appropriate protection measures.

Forms of digital violence that are still little known

Blackmail, sexual blackmail, humiliation, forced self-harm, incitement to suicide: certain online criminal communities are developing mechanisms of control and exploitation that are extremely violent towards minors.

These include networks such as CVLT or 764, part of The Com movement, are based on a logic of domination in which the suffering inflicted on victims becomes a means of gaining recognition and status within the group.

Their recruitment methods are particularly difficult to identify. Behind interactions on social media, private messaging apps or video game platforms, a relationship based on trust, a sense of belonging or an emotional bond can gradually turn into manipulation, threats and coercion.

These issues lie at the intersection of several key areas: child protection, cybercrime, sexual violence, mental health and the prevention of extremism. Their complexity makes it essential to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms at work.

An emerging threat that calls for greater vigilance

In France, the Rohan Rane’s trial, founder of the CVLT network, helped to highlight the seriousness of these practices. On 9 October 2026, the Paris Assize Court sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment.

The e-Enfance / 3018 Association, which had joined the proceedings as a civil party, had announced on that occasion that the guide would be published shortly.

Beyond this legal case, the incidents reported to the 3018 helpline highlight the need to strengthen professionals’ ability to identify and address such violence.

A guide to understanding, identifying and taking action

Drawing on scientific research, institutional sources and the expertise of specialist organisations, this first practical guide has three complementary objectives:

• Understanding: to analyse criminal networks, their modus operandi and the psychological and social mechanisms used to exert control over minors.
• Identify: to identify warning signs and better assess situations of vulnerability, without stigmatising the young people concerned.
• Protecting and guiding: to support victims through practical guidance, reporting procedures and appropriate resources.

The aim is not to turn professionals into investigators, but to enable them to identify situations of concern and to quickly involve the right people.

Quick-reference guides tailored to each profession

As the early signs can appear in a wide variety of contexts, the guide provides practical information sheets specifically designed for professionals:

• child welfare and the judicial protection of young people;
• in the health and social care sector;
• the Department for Education;
• after-school and out-of-school activities, and childcare facilities;
• in the sports sector.

Each fact sheet brings together the warning signs, appropriate responses, reporting procedures and useful contacts.

An information sheet aimed at professionals in the judicial sector (police, gendarmerie and the judiciary) will soon be added to these resources.

The 3018: a key player in the identification and protection of minors

Through this publication, The e-Enfance Association’s Observatory / 3018 continues its work to document and analyse new forms of digital violence, with a view to turning this knowledge into tools for prevention and protection.

This expertise is integral to the day-to-day work of the 3018, the national helpline for young people who are victims of cyberbullying and online abuse.

The 3018 teams support victims and their loved ones, assess situations, facilitate the removal of harmful content and refer people to the relevant authorities or specialist services where necessary.

As the first trusted flagger designated in France by Arcom under the Digital Services Act, 3018 benefits from priority handling of its reports by the relevant digital platforms.