Venezuelan added to the FBI's most wanted list
The FBI has added Venezuelan citizen Aníbal Alexander Canelón Aguirre to its list of ten most wanted fugitives for leading a major international conspiracy to defraud financial institutions in the United States.
On March 12, the FBI expanded its list of most wanted fugitives to include a Venezuelan national, Aníbal Alexander Canelón Aguirre, who allegedly heads a significant international conspiracy operating in the United States. This move signifies the agency's continued efforts to combat transnational crime, particularly those associated with international criminal organizations. Canelón has been implicated in a scheme that targets financial institutions, stressing the grave implications of such crimes on the U.S. economy and public safety.
Canelón is accused of collaborating with various teams to orchestrate financial thefts amounting to millions of dollars, which reportedly supports the notorious Aragua Train gang. His methods involve a sophisticated technique known as jackpotting, where malware is installed in ATMs to execute unauthorized cash withdrawals. This criminal operation is not only focused on stealing funds but also entails an extensive money laundering network that complicates tracking down the illicit proceeds, further illustrating the challenges law enforcement faces in combating cybercrime.
The issuance of a federal arrest warrant in December underscores the urgency of apprehending Canelón Aguirre as he poses a considerable threat to financial institutions and the stability of economic systems. By adding him to the list of most wanted fugitives, the FBI aims to mobilize public assistance in locating him and to deter other potential criminals involved in similar transnational schemes, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in tackling organized crime across borders.