A 21-year-old New Jersey man has been arrested on federal cyberstalking charges, with authorities alleging his actions are connected to a decentralized, international online extremist network known as “764.”
Marek Cherkaoui of Egg Harbor Township was arrested on Friday, November 14, 2025, and was ordered detained after an initial court appearance.
The criminal complaint, unsealed following his arrest, outlines a series of alleged online activities targeting minors.
According to the complaint, from December 2024 through May 2025, Cherkaoui used the internet to threaten a 13-year-old girl and instructed her to harm herself. On two occasions, the minor allegedly cut her arms after these interactions.
The complaint states the victim filmed herself making cuts on her arm in response to threats that Cherkaoui would release her personal information online, a practice known as “doxing.”
The charges are connected to what the Department of Justice describes as a Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) network referred to as “764.”
Federal authorities classify this network as a significant threat, noting it often targets vulnerable individuals, including minors, for sexual exploitation, self-harm, and acts of violence.
The complaint alleges Cherkaoui espoused ideology related to the 764 network online, expressed support for mass shooters, solicited child sexual abuse materials from minors, and encouraged individuals to harm themselves and others.
During a search of Cherkaoui’s home in June 2025, law enforcement agents reportedly seized items including books on manufacturing explosives, body armor, and tactical gear.
A subsequent search on the day of his arrest allegedly uncovered writings in which Cherkaoui discussed and planned murder and terroristic acts, including a multi-step plan involving joining ISIS and returning to the United States to commit acts of terrorism.
The criminal complaint cites several of Cherkaoui’s alleged online statements, including one from September 2025 praising the 764 network for targeting “minority kids” and describing them as “a very good high-value soft target.”
Cherkaoui faces one count of cyberstalking a minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Jersey State Police.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains allegations only, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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