DOJ Says Tren de Aragua Funded 'Unspeakably Evil Acts' Through ATM Jackpotting Across U.S.

U.S. federal prosecutors have charged 31 additional individuals in an international conspiracy that used malware to empty automated teller machines across the United States, bringing the total number of defendants in the investigation to 87, according to the Department of Justice.

The latest indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in the District of Nebraska, alleges that many of the defendants are Venezuelan and Colombian nationals, including members of Tren de Aragua, which U.S. authorities have designated a foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors said the charges include conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank burglary, computer fraud, and damage to protected systems.

According to the Justice Department, the network deployed a variant of malware known as Ploutus to force ATMs to dispense cash without authorization. Investigators said conspirators conducted reconnaissance of targeted machines, manipulated hardware by replacing or modifying components, installed malware using external devices, and divided the stolen proceeds among participants.

U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods said the group used ATM jackpotting to finance violent criminal activity:

"Tren de Aragua uses ATM jackpotting crimes committed all across America to fund its terrorist organization which is responsible for horrific crimes such as human trafficking (to include sex trafficking of children in Nebraska), kidnapping, murder and other unspeakably evil and violent acts. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nebraska will fight TdA directly by taking every action at our disposal to shut down their financial pipeline and handicap their ability to terrorize American communities"

Attorney General Pam Bondi used the same statement to describe Tren de Aragua as "a complex terrorist organization that commits serious financial crimes in addition to horrific rapes, murders, and drug trafficking," adding that the Justice Department would continue pursuing its members.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche added that defendants were part of "a nationwide conspiracy to enrich themselves and the TdA terrorist organization by ripping off American citizens."

Justice Department officials said the alleged scheme generated millions of dollars, which were used to fund broader criminal operations, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and violent offenses.

The indictment follows earlier cases filed in October and December 2025, which charged dozens of defendants with related offenses, including money laundering and material support to a terrorist organization. If convicted, the defendants could face prison sentences ranging from 20 to 335 years.