A 21-year-old man from Egg Harbor Township, Marek Cherkaoui, has been charged by federal prosecutors with cyberstalking, following alarming allegations related to a child sextortion network known as “764.” Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced the arrest on Friday and confirmed that Cherkaoui will remain in custody following a recent court appearance.
The charges stem from accusations that Cherkaoui targeted a 13-year-old girl from Passaic County, New Jersey, engaging in disturbing online interactions that culminated in her self-harming actions. According to the criminal complaint, the girl, who was coerced by Cherkaoui and an accomplice, broke down and cut herself on camera after being threatened with the release of her personal information, a tactic known as “doxing.”
The “764” network, which Cherkaoui allegedly praised in his online posts, has drawn scrutiny from law enforcement for the actions of its members, who are accused of coercing minors into creating child pornography and engaging in animal torture. Additionally, the complaint outlined that Cherkaoui expressed admiration for perpetrators of school shootings and made various antisemitic statements while identifying himself as a pedophile.
Despite a search warrant being executed at his residence in June, where authorities seized his phone, Cherkaoui reportedly acquired a new device and continued to disseminate chilling posts online, including endorsements of violence against marginalized communities. The investigation revealed a cumulative pattern of manipulation targeting vulnerable youths, evidenced by his continuous threats and attempts to manipulate the girl into further self-harming behavior.
The 13-year-old victim made multiple attempts to disconnect from Cherkaoui’s influence, even deleting her online accounts in fear of repercussions. However, this action led to Cherkaoui doxing her by sharing details about her family and personal life online, although some of the information he shared was incorrect.
The charge of cyberstalking a minor carries severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines potentially reaching $250,000, emphasizing the seriousness of Cherkaoui’s actions and the potential threat posed by such networks.
This case highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness and protective measures for minors in online environments, particularly against individuals who exploit technology for malicious purposes. The efforts of law enforcement and community vigilance are crucial in addressing these growing concerns about safeguarding children from online predation.