'Significant' rise in online cults grooming vulnerable people into violence and child sexual abuse

Europol headquarters. The EU police agency said these networks — often featuring “charismatic leaders” — use the likes of gaming platforms, streaming services and everyday social media to identify, befriend and exploit vulnerable people. Picture: Europol

The EU police agency has issued an alert over a “significant” increase in online cults grooming children and vulnerable adults into a world of extreme violence and child sexual abuse.

Children’s groups and online watchdogs in Ireland said it highlights the dangers posed by online predators and the need for greater awareness among young people, parents and the education system and interventions by regulators and the justice system.