FBI labels Texas extremist group as national security threat, seeks info on suspect with Plano ties
FBI targets Texas-based extremist group
A Texas-based extremist group that exploits children through online platforms has been labeled as a national security threat by the FBI and the Department of Justice. FOX 4's Shaun Rabb has more on a former Plano resident with ties to the group that the FBI is searching for.
DALLAS - The FBI and the Department of Justice have labeled a Texas-based extremist group as a national security threat.
Extremist group with Texas ties
What we know:
The 764 extremist group was started in Stephenville, Texas in 2021 by a 15-year-old. It's named after the zip code of the city it's based in.
That teen founder, now an adult, is serving an 80-year prison sentence for child pornography.
"They work together to target and exploit minor victims online on online gaming apps and social media platforms," Robbie Manson, the Dallas FBI office's Assistant Special Agent in Charge, tells FOX 4's Shaun Rabb.
"They have a wide array of motivations, including desire for chaos, hatred, financial gain, sexual gratification."
The FBI and the Department of Justice have labeled the group as a national security threat. The FBI has asked law enforcement to post its open letter about the group to raise awareness of the threat it presents.
Manson says the 764 group differs from other online extremist networks because its motivations extend beyond sexual gratification involving child pornography.
He says the group inflicts psychological torment on their victims to try and force them to partake in other crimes.
Former Plano resident with 764 ties
Local perspective:
Though it started in Stephenville, Manson says the 764 network has spread worldwide, and specifically into North Texas.
The FBI is offering $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest of Austin Yatco, who they say has longstanding ties to Plano.
Austin Yatco wanted poster
An outstanding federal arrest warrant was issued in January after Yatco was charged with conspiracy to produce child pornography and conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography.
"Yatco is wanted for his role in creating child sex abuse material and distributing that to other members of violent online networks like 764," Manson said. "We believe he is living in the Philippines, and we are actively working to bring him to justice."
Robbie Manson
What you can do:
Manson warns parents to pay attention to what their children are doing online, and if any behavior changes take place, to call 911 or 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the FBI and the FBI's Dallas office.