Austria’s Federal Criminal Office has re-analysed 300 cases linked to the violent online network “The COM”, active in the country as well. Federal Criminal Office director Andreas Holzer said 115 cases show a connection to “The COM”, while 20 cases were described as evidence-solid. Holzer kept specific details on the individual Austrian cases under wraps. However, he said the wider pattern involves “insane” people who allegedly target children, and investigators previously reported a growing number of suspected cases. “The COM” is short for “Community” and traces its origin to the United States. Its members allegedly recruit and manipulate children and adolescents in chat groups and other online communication channels, including social media platforms, forums and messengers. The recruitment is carried out by minors or young adults, who allegedly push targets into crimes. The Federal Criminal Office created a dedicated working group in February with the Directorate for State Protection and Intelligence (DSN). The task force was formed because the suspected crime spectrum is broad and other authorities are involved. So far, around 50 types of offences have been attributed to the group. These include terrorism-related cases, assaults, extortion, rape, coercion and child sexual abuse material. The working group analysed the 300 re-analysed cases, finding a direct connection in about a third. Holzer did not announce arrests or court outcomes for specific Austrian cases, but said some incidents had already led to court judgments. Austria’s working group is continuing to analyse the cases connected to “The COM”, including the 115 linked incidents and the 20 described as evidence-solid.