Federal investigators are putting up a $25,000 reward for information that eventually leads to the arrest of a Texas man who’s an alleged member of “Greggy’s Cult,” an online child exploitation enterprise that used social media and gaming platforms to exploit kids between 2019 and 2021.
Austin Jan Sy Yatco is wanted for conspiracy to produce, receive, and distribute child pornography, according to the FBI.
Federal investigators have alleged members of the “Greggy’s Cult” group, like Yatco, convinced minors they met online into filming themselves in a sexual manner, and later shared the material with the entire network.
“Greggy’s Cult” had existed long before a similar extremist online group known as “764,” the FBI noted.
764 is an infamous online sextortion network of pedophiles known for engaging in the coordinated grooming and coercive exploitation of vulnerable children, according to the FBI.
“These networks are known to target vulnerable children globally, often extorting them into self-harm, animal cruelty, and in some instances, suicide attempts,” reads an FBI statement.
A federal arrest warrant has been active for Yatco, 26, since January 23, officials said.
Yatco, according to the FBI, has longstanding ties to the Plano, Texas, area, and lived there for a time before fleeing the United States. He also has ties in the Philippines, where authorities suspect he’s currently hiding out.
“The FBI continues to prioritize the investigation of predators that threaten the safety of our children,” said R. Joseph Rothrock, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Dallas Field Office. “We are committed to apprehending 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 a federal court in Brooklyn, New York.
The FBI has asked that anyone who may have information about Yatco’s whereabouts contact the Dallas Field Office at (972) 559-5000 or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips may also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov or at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate. All tips can remain anonymous.
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
If you know of a young person who is being exploited or are the victim of a crime, you are urged to report it to your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be left at tips.fbi.gov.
Read the full article here
