Two Alleged Tren de Aragua Members Charged in ATM Jackpotting Scheme Across New England
BOSTON, Mass. — Two men linked to the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua have been charged with orchestrating a sophisticated ATM jackpotting conspiracy spanning several New England states. Federal prosecutors in the District of Massachusetts announced that Moises Alejandro Martinez Gutierrz and Lestter Guerrero, both 29 and present in the United States illegally, face charges of conspiracy to commit bank theft.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the pair allegedly targeted automated teller machines across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The scheme involved installing malware directly into the software of these ATMs, compelling the machines to dispense all available cash, a tactic known as jackpotting.
Investigators from multiple federal agencies have been conducting a thorough probe into this nationwide conspiracy. The use of malware to manipulate ATM software represents a growing trend among organized crime groups seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in banking technology.
Both Martinez Gutierrz and Guerrero are Venezuelan nationals and are reportedly in the country without legal authorization. Their affiliation with Tren de Aragua, a gang known for its transnational criminal activities, highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in combating cyber-enabled financial crimes linked to international criminal organizations.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has been involved in the investigation, given the defendants’ immigration status and the cross-border nature of the criminal network. The agency’s efforts to identify and apprehend individuals involved in such conspiracies are part of broader initiatives to safeguard U.S. financial infrastructure.
ATM jackpotting has become a significant concern for banks and law enforcement alike. By exploiting software vulnerabilities, criminals can cause substantial financial losses without the need for physical theft or traditional break-ins. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued warnings about this method, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity measures for financial institutions.
Federal prosecutors have emphasized that this case underscores the ongoing threat posed by organized crime groups leveraging technology to commit financial crimes. The charges filed against Martinez Gutierrz and Guerrero mark a critical step in disrupting the operations of Tren de Aragua within the United States.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge the public and financial institutions to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to ATM operations. The collaboration between federal law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, is crucial in addressing these complex cyber-enabled crimes and protecting the integrity of the nation’s banking systems.
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