FBI Arrests Venezuelan Nationals in $529K Interstate ATM Jackpotting Scheme

Four Venezuelan nationals were arrested for stealing $529,220 (KES 68.7M) from ATMs along Interstate 95 in Connecticut. The suspects employed sophisticated malware, including the Ploutus strain, to execute 'jackpotting' attacks, bypassing ATM security. Over a 10-day period in August 2025, they targeted multiple locations, with one theft netting $136,000. The FBI tracked the crew, linking them to eight different ATM heists through surveillance and cellphone data. The arrests highlight vulnerabilities in ATM systems and the growing threat of cybercrime targeting financial institutions. The suspects face charges of interstate stolen property and conspiracy, with potential sentences of up to 10 years if convicted.

Key Points: • Four Venezuelan nationals arrested for stealing over $500,000 from ATMs in Connecticut. • Attack method involved 'jackpotting' using malware to exploit ATM vulnerabilities. • FBI tracked the suspects through surveillance and cellphone data linking them to multiple thefts.