Federal Grand Jury in Nebraska Charges Six Venezuelan Nationals in Massive ATM Jackpotting Conspiracy That Targeted Banks Across the United States

Federal authorities in Nebraska announced Wednesday that six Venezuelan nationals have been charged in connection with a sprawling criminal network that targeted ATMs across the country. The indictment comes as part of a larger effort that now totals 93 individuals facing charges for using malware to steal millions in cash, a scheme commonly called “ATM jackpotting.”

The six newly indicted suspects include Wester Eduardo Dugarte Goicochea, Mauro Angel Briceno Caldera, Henry Rafael Gonzalez-Gutierrez, Giovanny Miguel Ocanto Yance, Jelfenson David Bolivar Diaz, and Arlinzon Jose Reyes Villegas, all residing in the Houston area. They face allegations including bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank burglary, computer fraud, and damage to computers.

Connection to Tren de Aragua and Transnational Crime

The indictment links these defendants to Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Venezuelan prison gang now recognized as a violent transnational criminal organization. TdA has expanded across the Western Hemisphere, committing a range of crimes from drug and firearms trafficking to kidnapping, robbery, extortion, and financial crimes.

Previous indictments show TdA used jackpotting to steal millions, moving funds among members to hide illicit profits. Earlier actions included indictments returned on Oct. 21, 2025; Dec. 9, 2025; and Jan. 21, 2026, charging dozens of members with bank fraud, bank burglary, computer crimes, money laundering, and supporting a foreign terrorist organization.

Scope and Losses

Court documents indicate the total losses from these ATM jackpotting attacks exceed $6 million, with at least $1.74 million in attempted thefts.

Each individual jackpotting attempt caused financial institutions losses of more than $100,000, demonstrating the sheer scale and sophistication of the scheme.

TdA members reportedly used malware and physical tampering to force ATMs to dispense cash, often leaving behind evidence of sophisticated computer manipulation and damage.

Investigators have also documented equipment and methods employed in these attacks.

Nationwide Law Enforcement Effort

The case has involved an unprecedented collaboration of law enforcement agencies.

Lead investigators include the FBI’s Omaha Field Office and ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Omaha, with support from numerous FBI field offices including Denver, Houston, Miami, and Seattle, as well as the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, U.S. Border Patrol, local police departments, and state law enforcement agencies across multiple states.

This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, aimed at dismantling foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human trafficking networks operating in the U.S. The task force places special focus on crimes involving children and removing violent criminal aliens.

Joint Task Force Vulcan Expansion

Originally created to target MS-13, Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV) has expanded its mandate to combat TdA, using an interagency network of federal prosecutors and law enforcement partners nationwide.

Agencies involved include the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and Bureau of Prisons, along with multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country.

The DOJ emphasizes that indictments are allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

What’s Next?

The newly indicted defendants will face federal court proceedings in Nebraska, where prosecutors may seek lengthy prison sentences ranging from 20 to 335 years if convicted.

Authorities continue to investigate TdA operations in the U.S., monitor ongoing jackpotting threats, and coordinate with international partners to track and dismantle transnational criminal networks.

Summary

Six Venezuelan nationals have been indicted in Nebraska for participating in a massive ATM jackpotting scheme linked to the transnational gang Tren de Aragua.

The conspiracy, part of a broader investigation involving 93 charged individuals, has caused over $6 million in losses to U.S. banks.

Law enforcement agencies nationwide, including the FBI, ICE, U.S. Secret Service, and local departments, are collaborating to dismantle TdA’s operations.

Defendants face charges including bank fraud, computer fraud, bank burglary, and conspiracy, with potential prison sentences of up to 335 years.