The FBI is turning up the heat on the hunt for Austin Jan Sy Yatco, a former Plano resident accused of exploiting minors through an online network, and is putting up to $25,000 on the table for information that leads to his arrest. Federal authorities say Yatco faces charges tied to the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, and a federal arrest warrant was issued earlier this year. Investigators believe he fled the United States and may be in the Philippines, with the FBI Dallas Field Office leading the search. The case has put a harsh local spotlight on a broader problem of predators who use gaming and social platforms to reach kids.
FBI Offers Reward And Asks For Tips
According to the FBI Dallas Field Office, the bureau has authorized a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to Yatco’s capture. Officials say tipsters can remain anonymous and have urged anyone with information to call the national 1-800-CALL-FBI line or contact the Dallas office directly. Agents report they are coordinating with international partners as they chase down potential leads in the Philippines and beyond.
Charges, Warrant And Plano Ties
Yatco is charged with conspiracy to produce child sexual abuse material and conspiracy to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material, and a federal arrest warrant in his name was issued on Jan. 23, 2026, in the Eastern District of New York, as reported by CBS News Texas. Authorities allege the exploitation took place between 2019 and 2021 and that Yatco has longstanding ties to Plano. CBS News Texas notes that investigators believe he fled the U.S. and is currently thought to be in the Philippines.
Greggy’s Cult And The Wider Enforcement Push
Federal investigators have been tracking similar operations for years. The Department of Justice has described an earlier online enterprise called “Greggy’s Cult,” a Discord-based network accused of recruiting young victims on gaming platforms and coercing them into degrading acts and self-harm. The Department of Justice says prosecutors charged five alleged leaders last December and that Greggy’s Cult predates and influenced other online networks that investigators have since targeted. Officials say that the indictment helps explain why federal agencies are now so focused on tracing overlapping online rings and shutting them down across multiple platforms.
What Authorities Are Urging Parents And The Public
Federal officials are urging parents to have direct conversations with their children about online safety and to keep a close eye on contacts and messages that might show signs of grooming. As the Department of Justice put it, “No child should ever be terrorized or exploited online,” and prosecutors emphasize that tips from the public are often crucial for identifying victims and stopping perpetrators. Investigators warn that offenders frequently move victims from public spaces like open game chats into private servers or closed groups where abuse is recorded and shared, which makes outside tips all the more valuable.
Legal Outlook
Yatco faces federal felony counts that could bring significant prison time if he is convicted, and the case is set to be prosecuted in the Eastern District of New York. An indictment is only an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, but prosecutors say they are pursuing the matter as part of a broader Project Safe Childhood enforcement effort. As reported by CBS News Texas, investigators are still building their case while asking the public to help them track Yatco down.
Anyone with information about Austin Jan Sy Yatco or related activity is asked to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit a report online at tips.fbi.gov, or call the FBI Dallas Field Office at (972) 559-5000. Authorities say tips can be anonymous and that international cooperation is ongoing as agents follow leads. Local parents and community groups say they will be watching for updates as investigators work to locate Yatco and bring the case into a courtroom.
