FBI Offers $25K Reward for Filipino National Wanted in Child Exploitation Case

A Filipino national believed to be residing in the Philippines is being sought by the FBI on federal charges involving the alleged sexual exploitation of minors, with authorities offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

The FBI identified the fugitive as Austin Jan Sy Yatco, who was born in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines. The FBI lists his nationality as Filipino and says he has ties to Plano, Texas, and the Philippines, where he is believed to be living.

Yatco is wanted for his alleged involvement in the exploitation of minor victims between 2019 and 2021 as part of an online group whose members allegedly carried out criminal activity through gaming and social media platforms.

Federal investigators allege that minor victims were coerced into producing sexually explicit material of themselves that was later distributed among members of the online group.

A federal arrest warrant was issued for Yatco on January 23, 2026, by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn.

He was charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children, Material Involving Sexual Exploitation of Minors, and Certain Activities Relating to Material Constituting or Containing Child Pornography, according to the FBI.

The FBI is offering up to $25,000 for information leading to the Filipino fugitive’s arrest and conviction.

Anyone with information about Yatco’s whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), a local FBI office, the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or through the FBI’s online tip system.