17 Iranians Charged in Cyber Theft Campaign

The Department of Justice has charged 17 Iranian nationals for allegedly engaging in a sweeping cyber theft campaign. These activities targeted American universities and government agencies, with operations exploiting network vulnerabilities to steal intellectual property since 2013.

A separate case involves Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, an alleged leader of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua. Aguirre, known by the nicknames “Prometheus” and “The Engineer,” was apprehended overseas and returned to U.S. soil to face charges related to a multimillion-dollar ATM jackpotting scheme. He pleaded not guilty to four federal conspiracy charges during a recent court appearance in Nebraska.

An ATM jackpotting attack involves exploiting machine vulnerabilities, often through malware, to dispense cash illegally.

The FBI has highlighted Aguirre’s capture as a significant success in its efforts to secure justice. Kash Patel, the FBI Director, noted that Aguirre is the first cyber fugitive placed on its Ten Most Wanted list, marking his return as the tenth fugitive captured during the Trump administration.

In a statement, Patel emphasized the FBI’s effectiveness, stating, “Now he’s back in the United States to face justice… there is nowhere on this planet criminals can hide.” Under Patel’s leadership, the FBI has captured significantly more fugitives than in previous years.

Aguirre’s apprehension is tied to allegations of leading an international conspiracy to steal millions from financial institutions using ATM jackpotting techniques to support Tren de Aragua activities. The DOJ has linked this conspiracy directly to Tren de Aragua, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization.

Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the DOJ has charged nearly 350 individuals associated with Tren de Aragua since this designation. Blanche praised the Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Vulcan for their continued progress in dismantling narcoterrorist finance networks and prosecuting violent criminals.

Aguirre faces serious legal consequences, including a potential 30-year prison sentence for bank fraud conspiracy, alongside other charges of bank burglary, computer fraud, money laundering, and supporting terrorists.