Federal investigators are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a Texas man suspected of being a member of “Greggy's Cult,” an online child exploitation business that used social media and gaming platforms to exploit children between 2019 and 2021.
Austin Jan Sy Yatco wanted for conspiracy to produce, receive, and distribute child pornography, according to the FBI.
Federal investigators suspected members of the group “Greggy's Cult”, like Yatco, convinced children they met on the Internet to photograph themselves sexually, and later shared the material with the rest of the network.
“Greggy's Cult” predated a similar terrorist group called “764,” the FBI noted.
764 is a notorious online sextortion scheme known for its systematic grooming and forced exploitation of vulnerable children, according to the FBI.
“These networks are known to target vulnerable children around the world, often forcing them to harm themselves, be cruel to animals, and in some cases attempt to kill themselves,” the FBI said in a statement.
The arrest warrant has been in effect for Yatco, 26, since January 23, officials said.
Yatco, according to the FBI, has long ties to the Plano, Texas area, and lived there for a while before fleeing to the United States. He also has ties to the Philippines, where authorities suspect he is currently hiding.
“The FBI continues to prioritize investigations into child predators that threaten the safety of our children,” it said R. Joseph RothrockSpecial Agent in Charge of the FBI Dallas Field Office. “We are committed to catching Austin Yatco, bringing justice to his victims, and preventing future abuse.”
While the investigation is being led by the FBI's Dallas Field Office, Yatco will be prosecuted in federal court in Brooklyn, New York.
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The FBI asked that anyone with information about Yatco's whereabouts contact the Dallas Field Office at (972) 559-5000 or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov or at any US Embassy or Consulate. All tips can remain anonymous.
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find helpful tools and information at Know2Protect.
If you know of a young person being bullied or a victim of a crime, you are urged to report it to your local FBI office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be left tips.fbi.gov.
