DOJ charges 31 more people in ATM malware case, including alleged Tren de Aragua members

"A large ring of criminal aliens allegedly engaged in a nationwide conspiracy to enrich themselves and the TdA terrorist organization by ripping off American citizens," Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said

Published: January 26, 2026 9:04am

The Department of Justice on Monday charged 31 more people in an ATM malware case, in which millions of dollars were stolen, including alleged Tren de Aragua members.

In total, more than 50 people have been charged in the case so far, according to the department, ABC News reported.

Members of the group allegedly scammed ATMs by deploying a malware known as Ploutus, per court documents filed in Nebraska. Tren de Aragua members were allegedly recruited to deploy the malware in ATMs around the U.S.

First, groups allegedly involved in the scheme would see if there was a law enforcement response when an ATM was tampered with, and then deploy the malware through a thumb drive, which federal authorities call "jackpotting," according to the DOJ.

The malware would issue unauthorized commands to the ATM system and force cash withdrawals, per the department.

"A large ring of criminal aliens allegedly engaged in a nationwide conspiracy to enrich themselves and the TdA terrorist organization by ripping off American citizens. After committing bank robbery, fraud, and other serious crimes, they will be vigorously prosecuted and held accountable for their crimes," Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said. "The Justice Department's Joint Task Force Vulcan will not stop until it completely dismantles and destroys TdA and other foreign terrorists that import chaos to America."

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