A Disturbing New Threat
Federal investigators and local police in Oregon are warning about a chilling rise in online exploitation networks known as “gore groups.” These loosely organized communities are targeting vulnerable teenagers across the United States with psychological manipulation, violent imagery, and sexual exploitation.
Unlike typical online predators, gore groups thrive on brutality. Investigators say their activities often involve sexual violence, coercion, and in extreme cases, manipulation that pushes victims toward self-harm or suicide.
“This isn’t just grooming — it’s sadistic,” one investigator noted. “They find joy in the suffering of their victims.”
Also Read
Case in Oregon Exposes the Dangers
Lake Oswego Police Sergeant Brandon Clausen experienced firsthand how dangerous these groups can be when he was called to assist the FBI in June. The case involved a 14-year-old girl from the Portland metro area who had been lured online.
“It took a dark turn very quickly,” Clausen told FOX 12. “The content was, to me, disturbing. For me to be shocked… I mean, I see a lot of things.”
Investigators found that the teen initially connected with a man in his early 20s on Instagram. Their conversations soon moved to encrypted platforms such as Discord, Telegram, and X (formerly Twitter). Federal court documents revealed evidence of grooming and the solicitation of sexually explicit material.
What Are Gore Groups?
Until this case, Clausen said he had never heard of gore groups.
“A gore group is a group that not only grooms victims, but they delight in sexual violence, sexual torture — even murder,” he explained. “They sometimes manipulate victims into taking their own lives. It shocks the conscience.”
Experts say these groups often blend elements of typical online exploitation with disturbing content designed to break down victims’ psychological defenses. Teens may first encounter members through harmless-seeming chats or memes before being exposed to violent imagery and coercion.
Nationwide Concern
Though the Oregon case involved a suspect living 3,000 miles away in Florida, investigators stress that distance offers no safety when dealing with online crimes.
The FBI says gore groups are an emerging national threat, with cases surfacing across multiple states. The anonymity of encrypted apps and the ease of creating new online accounts make it difficult to track offenders, further complicating law enforcement’s response.
Protecting Children Online
Authorities are urging parents and guardians to be vigilant about their children’s digital activity. Warning signs can include:
-
Sudden secrecy about online interactions
-
Use of multiple messaging apps or encrypted platforms
-
Exposure to violent or disturbing content
-
Withdrawal from friends or family
Investigators recommend having open, ongoing conversations with children about the risks of online grooming and encouraging them to report uncomfortable interactions.
Federal Efforts and Community Awareness
The FBI has made online exploitation cases a growing priority, working with local agencies like the Lake Oswego Police Department to investigate and prosecute offenders. Still, officials emphasize that prevention starts at home.
“These predators know how to manipulate kids into silence,” Clausen said. “The best defense is for families to know what their kids are seeing and who they’re talking to online.”
As the FBI continues to investigate gore groups nationwide, law enforcement hopes heightened public awareness will help prevent further tragedies. For now, the Oregon case stands as a sobering reminder of how quickly online interactions can escalate — and how dangerous these hidden communities can be.
