A 21-year-old man from Northern Ireland accused of making bomb threats and demanding money from several US casinos has been identified by the FBI as a high-ranking member of an online network accused of targeting vulnerable children, a court has heard.
J.B., from Strabane, County Tyrone, allegedly used the online alias “Decay” while making threats against Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, Hollywood Park Casino in California, and Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in Kentucky.
According to court proceedings reported by Northern Irish news outlet Armagh I on October 16, B. allegedly claimed explosives had been planted at the properties.
He is also accused of demanding $5,000 and a BMW from Mohegan Sun, as well as threatening a mass shooting at Turfway Park.
The alleged threats extended beyond the gambling industry. Prosecutors have linked B. to threats involving Denver International Airport, the World Trade Center shopping complex in New York, and a hospital in North Carolina.
In another alleged blackmail attempt, he reportedly demanded $80,000 and a fast car from a Texas nuclear power plant.
B. faces multiple charges relating to threats, blackmail and unauthorized computer access.
FBI Allegedly Identifies Online Network Connection
During proceedings at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court, a detective said the FBI had contacted Northern Irish police and identified B. as a high-ranking member of an online network accused of coercing vulnerable young people into recording acts of self-harm and other abuse.
The description resembles that of 764, an online network the FBI has described as using coercion and manipulation to target children. However, the court reporting did not name 764, and investigators have not publicly established a connection between B. and the group.
B. was initially arrested in February and released on bail. He was arrested again on October 15 after police alleged he had breached restrictions on his internet use. Images posted online reportedly showed him holding firearms.
District Judge Francis Rafferty denied bail on October 16, ordering B. to remain in custody until his next hearing set for November 5.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Casino Threats Disrupted US Gambling Venues
The case comes amid a series of bomb hoaxes targeting US casinos and other public facilities earlier in 2026.
On January 15, Parkwest Bicycle Casino in California was evacuated after a caller allegedly threatened a shooting and bombing unless $50,000 was paid. Later that month, bomb threats prompted evacuations at several Oklahoma tribal casinos, including Comanche Nation Casino, with the FBI assisting tribal police.
Hospitals were also among the reported targets during the Oklahoma incidents.
In July, police from several US states asked for help from the public to identify the suspects who launched coordinated bomb threats across eight tribal casinos in Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, and Idaho.
It remains unclear whether B. was responsible for those earlier threats or whether his alleged activities were connected to the wider wave of hoaxes. The court proceedings have not established a link between the cases.
The investigation into B.’s alleged threats and blackmail attempts is continuing ahead of his next court appearance.