Trial Begins for ‘White Tiger’ in Hamburg: Child Manipulation and Suicide Allegations
Hamburg, February 10, 2026 – A 21-year-old man, identified by the pseudonym ‘White Tiger,’ is currently standing trial in Hamburg on charges of manipulation, abuse, and severe psychological violence against children and adolescents. The accusations against him are substantial, including murder, attempted murder, dangerous bodily harm, severe sexual abuse of children, and possession of child pornography. He has been in pre-trial detention since his arrest in June 2025.
The defendant is alleged to have been a member of a criminal chat group known as ‘764,’ where he reportedly exerted immense psychological pressure on children and teenagers aged between 11 and 15. Prosecutors contend that one of his victims was driven to suicide, while five other attempts were made. The trial is being heard by a juvenile chamber of the Hamburg Regional Court, behind closed doors, as the accused was a minor or young adult when the alleged crimes occurred.
Accused Attacked in Pre-Trial Detention
According to his lawyer, the defendant was brought from the Hahnöfersand juvenile correctional facility to a collective cell in Hamburg’s pre-trial detention center on Thursday. There, he was reportedly assaulted by other inmates who demanded his watch before beating him. One side of the accused’s face was severely swollen as a result of the attack.
Evidence Includes Video Chat Recordings and Witness Testimonies
A court spokesperson confirmed on Friday that video chat recordings and witness testimonies will play a crucial role in the proceedings, which are scheduled to continue until the end of the year. Experts will also be heard. Due to the exclusion of the public, the spokesperson could not provide specific details regarding the evidence. However, the commencement of the trial was confirmed.
13-Year-Old Victim Died by Suicide on Webcam
The indictment alleges that in January 2022, ‘White Tiger’ manipulated and pressured a 13-year-old boy from the USA to take his own life on a live webcam. Months prior, he reportedly attempted a similar act with a 15-year-old Canadian girl, who survived. Overall, the accused is believed to have engaged in these disturbing acts with over 30 children and adolescents from Germany and around the world.
Method of Manipulation: Building Trust, Then Blackmail
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the modus operandi of the accused and his accomplices involved first building a close relationship of trust with their often psychologically vulnerable victims. These victims were typically approached on social media or gaming platforms. Subsequently, the children and adolescents were allegedly persuaded to perform sexual acts on webcam. ‘White Tiger’ then reportedly threatened to publish these recordings if the victims did not comply with his increasingly extreme demands.
Self-Harm as a Display of Power
Among other demands, ‘White Tiger’ allegedly compelled victims to self-harm or humiliate themselves, such as carving his pseudonym into their skin. Within the ‘764’ group, such visible proof of successful manipulation was reportedly considered a significant achievement.
Information obtained by NDR indicates that group members shared instructions on how to most effectively manipulate young people. Chats revealed that girls with depression or psychological illnesses were considered particularly vulnerable. The strategy involved making them feel loved before pushing them towards self-harm or ‘blood content.’ Once they had ‘done everything,’ they were to be ‘discarded.’
Parental Guidance: Listen, Don’t Punish
Christina Khosrowi from the child protection organization ‘Innocence in Danger’ emphasized that absolute protection against such manipulators is impossible. Prohibitions often fail to prevent children and adolescents from freely interacting online and maintaining social contacts. However, it is crucial that if they encounter the wrong people, they feel secure enough to confide in their parents without fear of punishment.
Khosrowi stressed the importance of media literacy, teaching children healthy skepticism when strangers shower them with love and attention, and not waiting until a new online friend makes uncomfortable demands.
Support for Suicidal Thoughts and Abuse
For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, anonymous and free help is available through services like the Telefonseelsorge in Germany (0800/111 0 111 and 0800/111 0 222, or 116 123) and their online chat. The German Society for Suicide Prevention also lists counseling centers for personal conversations.
Sources:
News agencies dpa and afp
Norddeutscher Rundfunk
Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk
Interview with Christina Khosrowi
WDR 5, Morgenecho, January 9, 2026, 6 AM broadcast
