The Office of Foreign Assets Control today imposed sanctions on 10 targets with alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization for its role in organizing a series of ATM jackpotting thefts across the U.S., orchestrated in part by one of the FBI’s 10 most-wanted fugitives.
In an ATM jackpotting scheme, criminals deploy malicious software to hack ATMs and force the machines to dispense cash. ATM jackpotting has become more common in recent years: The FBI issued an alert in February noting that of the 1,900 incidents reported since 2000, more than 700 occurred last year alone, resulting in roughly $20 million in losses.
According to a Treasury Department announcement, funds stolen during ATM jackpotting thefts organized by Tren de Aragua were laundered and transferred to gang members in various countries. The operation is orchestrated by one of the FBI’s 10 most-wanted fugitives, Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, also known as “Prometheus,” it said.
The department also announced that OFAC designated a Tren de Aragua leader for his alleged role in illicit gold mining operations.
“These actions form part of a sustained, whole-of-government campaign that has resulted in over 30 actions against more than 300 individuals and entities tied to transnational criminal organizations since 2025, reflecting the administration’s commitment to dismantling the financial and operational infrastructure of groups like [Tren de Aragua],” Treasury said.
