Two Venezuelans linked to Tren de Aragua sentenced in U.S. for ATM theft

Two Venezuelan nationals with ties to the transnational criminal group Tren de Aragua have been sentenced to six and a half years in prison in the United States for their involvement in a scheme that defrauded ATMs of millions of dollars. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported the convictions of Carlos Javier Padrón, 36, and Oddry Arnoldo Cabrera Torrealba, 37.

Authorities determined that Padrón and Cabrera were part of a criminal network that employed specialized software, known as Ploutus malware, to manipulate ATMs. This program allowed them to force the machines to dispense large sums of cash while simultaneously erasing digital traces to evade detection by financial institutions. Both men pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, computer fraud, and intentional damage to protected systems.

The investigation, led by the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Omaha and the Nebraska National Security Task Force, uncovered that the convicted individuals operated within a cell linked to the Tren de Aragua's logistics and influence. This transnational organization has been implicated in various criminal activities across South America and beyond.

Following the arrests of Padrón and Cabrera, the U.S. Department of Justice identified a broader network of collaborators. This has resulted in 96 additional indictments for offenses such as bank fraud, money laundering, illegal access to computer systems, and providing material support to criminal organizations. The case highlights the international reach of organized crime and the use of sophisticated cyber tools for illicit financial gain.