By Islam El-Sakka
Scottish police have joined international law enforcement in targeting online gangs that groom and coerce children, mostly girls, into acts of self-harm. Detectives are hunting members of loose networks known as "The Com," which operate on gaming platforms and social media.
One arrest in Scotland, several convictions in England
So far, there has been one arrest in Scotland, while a handful of convictions have been secured in England. The Molly Rose Foundation, a suicide prevention charity, said the groups "represent the gravest risk to children online."
Inside the investigation
A detective constable, referred to as Paul, works in Police Scotland's internet investigations unit at the Scottish Crime Campus. He reviews horrific images of abuse and injury flagged by the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and passed via the National Crime Agency. In one case, nearly a thousand images must be examined to identify both the victim and the Scottish perpetrator.
Abuse for 'kudos'
The case is linked to a Com group that uses mainstream platforms to manipulate and blackmail girls into harming themselves. Police say the abuse is often carried out for "kudos" or clout among peers. Images show self-inflicted wounds and occult symbols used to appear extreme. The victim, a girl between 11 and 17, was directed to harm herself by a young male in Scotland.
The Com networks
The Com — short for "the community" — are loosely affiliated groups involved in abuse, financial crimes, and extremism. Groups such as "764" and "CVLT" have appeared in recent court cases. In May, the National Crime Agency said it was investigating around 200 cases involving these networks. In August, 20-year-old Justin Swaddle was jailed for two years for blackmailing and coercing more than 100 victims into self-harm, including carving his online username on their bodies.
Mapping the threat in Scotland
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Faulds, who leads efforts targeting the groups' links to Scotland, described the crimes as "an evolution of online child abuse and sexual exploitation." He said abusers often target victims on innocuous gaming platforms before moving to social media, messaging services, and online forums. Police have identified both victims and perpetrators in Scotland and are mapping the threat to understand its prevalence.
Who are the abusers?
Hazel Stewart of the NCA's Threat Leadership team described Com groups as "low-volume, high-harm." She said abusers are often young males who have been socially isolated or bullied, finding identity online and seeking out vulnerable girls on sites discussing suicidal ideation or eating disorders. The grooming escalates from small acts to serious self-harm, trapping victims.
Charity warns of 'gravest risk'
Molly Rose Foundation chief executive Andy Burrows said the networks are "becoming the frontline of child protection online" and criticized Ofcom for a slow response, highlighting weaknesses in the Online Safety Act. He urged action beyond a social media ban to incentivize all online platforms to become safe for young people. Ofcom said the threat posed by Com groups is a particular concern and that it is working closely with law enforcement and child protection agencies.
Support available
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