Five Venezuelan Nationals Plead Guilty in ATM Jackpotting Scheme

Five Venezuelan nationals pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank larceny in a federal case involving ATM jackpotting. The group attempted to install malware on ATMs in Wamego and Manhattan, Kansas, in December 2025, but their efforts triggered police alarms, leading to their arrest. U.S. Attorney Ryan Kriegshauser highlighted the growing prevalence of jackpotting, with over 1,900 incidents reported since 2020, resulting in losses exceeding $58 million. The FBI has noted a significant increase in these crimes, particularly in 2025, with over 700 incidents causing more than $20 million in losses. The group targeted ATMs they believed were vulnerable to malware, but their plans were thwarted. This case is part of a larger trend of federal prosecutions related to ATM jackpotting, with many individuals charged in connection with these schemes.

Key Points: • Five Venezuelan nationals pleaded guilty to ATM jackpotting attempts. • The group targeted vulnerable ATMs in Kansas but failed to execute their plan. • The FBI reports over 1,900 jackpotting incidents since 2020, with significant financial losses.