Venezuelan Nationals Sentenced for ATM Jackpotting Scheme Linked to Tren de Aragua

Carlos Javier Padron and Oddry Arnoldo Cabrera Torrealba, both Venezuelan nationals, were sentenced to 78 months in prison for their roles in an ATM jackpotting conspiracy that utilized Ploutus malware. This scheme allowed them to illegally dispense cash from ATMs across the United States, resulting in losses exceeding $1.5 million. The operation was part of a larger transnational criminal network linked to Tren de Aragua, a violent organization involved in various criminal activities. The defendants were arrested in October 2024 during an ATM jackpotting incident in Lincoln, Nebraska. They were also ordered to pay $1,537,696 in restitution to affected financial institutions. The investigation has led to the indictment of 96 additional individuals connected to the conspiracy, highlighting the extensive nature of the criminal operation.

Key Points: • Two Venezuelan nationals sentenced to 78 months for ATM jackpotting using Ploutus malware. • The scheme resulted in over $1.5 million in losses and involved a broader criminal network. • 96 additional individuals have been indicted in connection with the ATM jackpotting conspiracy.