A grand jury in Nebraska has indicted 54 individuals believed to be involved in a widespread ATM jackpotting scheme. The defendants are facing serious charges, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank burglary, and providing material support to terrorists, as reported by 1011 Now.
Among those indicted is Tren de Aragua, who is alleged to have stolen millions of dollars. He reportedly funneled the cash to associates to help obscure the origins of the funds. If found guilty, the accused could receive severe penalties, ranging from 20 years to as much as 335 years in prison.
The indictment highlights a particular method used by the defendants; they would breach ATMs by opening their doors or hoods and would monitor for any alarms. If no alarms were triggered, they would proceed to install malware designed to force the machines to dispense cash.
Lesley Woods, the U.S. Attorney, praised the dedication of Nebraska law enforcement for their role in addressing these crimes. “The members of Nebraska law enforcement who selflessly dedicated themselves to this mission have not only made Nebraska safer from a designated terrorist organization by removing dozens of TdA members from Nebraska but have also dealt a blow to an organization with international reach and impact,” Woods stated.
The successful indictment of such a large group signals a significant effort to combat armed financial crimes and enhances the safety of the local community by targeting a network that poses threats beyond state borders. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing sophisticated criminal schemes and the importance of diligence in safeguarding the public.