Queens-Based Operator of 18 Chinese-Language Child Pornography Websites Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Yong Wang, who operated 18 Chinese-language websites containing child pornography, pled guilty to advertising in connection with the sexual exploitation of children. Wang pled guilty Friday in Manhattan federal court before U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Yong Wang made hundreds of thousands of dollars from a vast network of websites that he operated from the comfort and safety of his home while capitalizing on the sexual exploitation of children. But in fact, he was not safe after all because the FBI infiltrated his network and caught up with him. This office, along with our investigative partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to prosecute and punish those like Wang, who earn a living online at the expense of children’s well-being and innocence.”

According to the indictment, other documents filed in Manhattan federal court and statements made during Wang’s guilty plea proceeding:

Wang maintained 18 Chinese-language websites out of his apartment in Flushing, New York. Members could access numerous links to an extensive child pornography collection that included images and videos of children exposing their genitals, engaging in sexually explicit conduct with adults, and in sadistic and/or masochistic depictions. To access the websites, individuals had to purchase a “VIP membership” or accumulate a certain number of points. Wang charged customers $25 for a quarterly membership or $100 for a lifetime membership. Undercover FBI agents registered for a VIP membership with Wang and gained access to one of the websites which was titled—in Chinese—“Empire of the Young and Innocent Fragrances.” On the website, users were directed to different forums with links that were titled with descriptive names, such as “Young Young Empire,” “Young Girl Beauty Photos Military Region,” “Young Boy Movie Zone,” and “Exclusive Quality Young Girl Photos Set.” Wang made in excess of $700,000 in connection with his operation of these websites, which he forfeited as part of his plea agreement.

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Wang, 28, of Flushing, New York, faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Gardephe on August 23, 2013 at 2:30 p.m.

Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also thanked the Chinese Ministry of Public Security for their cooperation and assistance.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rosemary Nidiry and Zachary Feingold are in charge of the prosecution.