Two alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been charged in connection with a series of ATM robberies across New England, utilizing malware in their scheme.
Two members of the Tren de Aragua gang, identified as Moises Alejandro Martinez Gutierrz and Lestter Guerrero, have been charged with conspiracy to commit bank theft in a series of ATM robberies and attempted robberies across New England. According to federal prosecutors, these individuals, both 29 years old and illegally residing in the U.S., were part of a broader ongoing investigation into a national conspiracy involving members of the Venezuelan-linked gang.
The gang has been accused of employing sophisticated techniques known as ATM jackpotting, where malware is introduced into the ATM's software to manipulate it into dispensing cash without any valid authorizations. The attacks reportedly spanned multiple states including Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, highlighting a concerning trend of organized crime targeting financial institutions in the region.
This case sheds light on the rising threat of cybercrime linked to organized gangs, illustrating how traditional forms of robbery have adapted to exploit technology. The ongoing investigation by federal authorities underscores the complexities of combating such crimes, particularly those that cross state lines and involve individuals without legal status, raising significant implications for law enforcement and cybersecurity efforts in the U.S.
