ATM Heist Hilarity: DOJ Takes Down 54 in Multi-Million Dollar Jackpotting Scheme
The DoJ has charged 54 people in a jackpotting scheme involving malware called Ploutus, which hacked ATMs to spew cash like a broken slot machine. Allegedly orchestrated by the Tren de Aragua gang, this misadventure is less “Ocean’s Eleven” and more “Aragua’s ATM Assault,” with potential prison sentences that could outlast a century.
Hot Take:
Looks like some folks took the phrase “making it rain” a bit too literally with this ATM jackpotting scheme. Who knew you could turn an ATM into a slot machine? But instead of hitting the jackpot for a lucky customer, it was for an unlucky bank. The Tren de Aragua gang just found a way to make banking more exciting than ever, and not in a good way. I guess they really took “money laundering” to a whole new level!
Key Points:
- 54 individuals indicted for a massive ATM jackpotting scheme in the U.S.
- The scheme involved malware named Ploutus to hack ATMs.
- Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, is behind the operation.
- The defendants face up to 335 years in prison if convicted.
- Approximately $40.73 million lost in 1,529 incidents since 2021.