Federal prosecutors say a sweeping investigation into ATM ‘jackpotting’ has led to charges against 87 individuals tied to the Venezuelan terrorist organization Tren de Aragua, exposing a nationwide criminal operation that allegedly funded violent crimes through sophisticated ATM theft.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska announced Monday that 31 additional defendants were indicted, adding to 56 individuals already charged. Authorities said the group carried out coordinated attacks on banks and credit unions across the country, stealing millions of dollars by hacking ATMs and forcing them to dispense cash.
U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods said the stolen money helped bankroll violent activity. The criminal enterprise allegedly supported “human trafficking, sex trafficking of children, kidnapping, murder and ‘other unspeakably evil and violent acts.’” Woods described Tren de Aragua as a network deeply involved in both financial crimes and extreme violence.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said, “Tren de Aragua is a complex terrorist organization that commits serious financial crimes in addition to horrific rapes, murders, and drug trafficking.” She added, “This Department of Justice has already prosecuted more than 290 members of Tren de Aragua and will continue working tirelessly to put these vicious terrorists behind bars after the prior administration let them infiltrate our country.”
According to court filings, the group used malware known as Ploutus to compromise ATMs while attempting to erase digital evidence. Members allegedly scouted locations, tested security responses, and installed the malware by accessing internal hardware or external devices.
The defendants face charges including material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, bank fraud, bank burglary, money laundering, and computer-related crimes.
