Five Venezuelans Plead Guilty in High-Profile ATM Jackpotting Case
A group of five Venezuelan nationals has pleaded guilty to attempting to drain millions from automated teller machines (ATMs) across the United States. The defendants, who targeted vulnerable ATMs using malware, have been charged with conspiracy to commit bank larceny and are facing significant prison sentences.
The group’s strategy involved installing malware on the internal computer of the ATM, which could be controlled remotely using a USB keyboard or the built-in PIN pad. This allowed them to issue commands to the internal cash dispenser, emptying the money storage cassette. The defendants attempted to use this tactic in Wamego and Manhattan, Kansas, but were unsuccessful due to security measures in place at these locations.
The Justice Department has been cracking down on ATM jackpotting attacks in recent months, with a particular focus on the Tren de Aragua Venezuelan criminal organization. In February, the FBI warned that over $20 million was stolen last year in a massive surge of ATM jackpotting incidents. This warning came after a wave of arrests targeting members of the Tren de Aragua group, who were linked to a massive ATM jackpotting scheme deploying Ploutus malware.
The five defendants arrested in December 2025 are just one part of this larger effort to combat ATM jackpotting. Their case highlights the importance of investing in security measures such as advanced malware detection and prevention software. As U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser noted, “Fortunately, there is technology to help thwart jackpotting. We at the U.S. Attorney’s Office encourage banks and other financial institutions to invest in these updates, and we’re happy to answer questions about how to do so.”
The success of this crackdown on ATM jackpotting has been significant, with 87 members of the Tren de Aragua organization charged and facing maximum prison terms ranging from 20 to 335 years each. Additionally, two Venezuelan nationals convicted of jackpotting attacks in South Carolina will be deported after serving their sentences.
This case serves as a reminder that preventing cybercrime requires a multi-faceted approach. While high-profile arrests like this one are an important step towards curbing ATM jackpotting, they also highlight the need for financial institutions to invest in robust security measures and stay vigilant against emerging threats.
To protect themselves from similar attacks, readers should be aware of the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest security patches and investing in advanced malware detection software. By doing so, they can help prevent cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerabilities in their systems and stay one step ahead of would-be attackers.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-09-01