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U.S. Indicts 54 in Nationwide ATM ‘Jackpotting’ Scheme Linked to Venezuelan Gang

Prosecutors describe Ploutus-enabled ATM breaches that allegedly funneled cash to Tren de Aragua, which the U.S. has designated a terrorist group.

Overview

  • Two related indictments returned on October 21 and December 9 charge 32 and 22 defendants, respectively, with bank fraud, burglary, computer offenses, money laundering, and related conspiracies.
  • Officials say crews scoped targets, opened ATM cabinets to test responses, installed Ploutus by swapping drives or connecting devices, issued illicit cash-dispensing commands, and wiped evidence.
  • The Justice Department alleges the operation siphoned millions that were moved through laundering networks and directed to Tren de Aragua leadership.
  • Since 2021, U.S. authorities have recorded 1,529 jackpotting incidents with about $40.73 million in losses attributed to this criminal activity.
  • Federal filings in the Nebraska-led case cite at least 117 attacks against more than 90 institutions, with confirmed losses of about $5.4 million during 2024–2025.