The federal government has charged dozens of suspects for their roles in a sophisticated criminal enterprise that targeted financial infrastructure through high-tech theft. By deploying a specific strain of malware known as Ploutus, the conspirators were able to compromise automated teller machines and bypass security protocols to trigger large-scale cash withdrawals. This operation was not merely a series of localized thefts but a coordinated effort to siphon millions of dollars from the American banking system.
Those named in the indictments are reportedly affiliated with Tren de Aragua, a powerful Venezuelan gang that the U.S. State Department has officially categorized as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation follows a history of violent and illicit activities, including human trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. Earlier this year, the government escalated its pressure on the group by issuing sanctions against its top leadership, including Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, to disrupt their global criminal network.
The legal action is split across two major indictments involving a total of 54 defendants. The first group of 22 individuals faces charges related to bank fraud and burglary, with prosecutors alleging that the proceeds from these jackpotting schemes were systematically distributed among gang members. A second indictment involving 32 people includes specific counts of computer fraud and causing damage to financial hardware, highlighting the technical nature of their surveillance and burglary methods.
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Authorities claim that the gang used methodical techniques to monitor potential targets before installing the malicious software. Beyond simple theft, the Justice Department emphasizes that these crimes served as a significant revenue stream for the organization, helping to fund their broader international criminal agenda. The scale of the charges reflects the severity of the threat posed by the group’s expansion into domestic cyber-financial crimes.
The legal consequences for the accused are substantial, with potential prison sentences ranging from two decades to several centuries if they are convicted on all counts. This prosecution marks a major step in the ongoing effort by U.S. law enforcement to dismantle the financial foundations of transnational gangs. By targeting both the technical experts and the money launderers involved, officials hope to neutralize the group’s ability to operate within the country.
Source: US DOJ Charges 54 In ATM Jackpotting Scheme Using Ploutus Malware