Iranian Nationals and a Cyber Fugitive Face Charges in Cyber Theft

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The Department of Justice has charged 17 Iranian nationals for their alleged involvement in a cyber theft campaign targeting American universities and government agencies. Since 2013, these hackers have reportedly breached networks to steal intellectual property.

Also making headlines is Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, accused leader of the Venezuelan group Tren de Aragua. Recently captured overseas, he is now back in the United States to face charges. Aguirre was the first cyber fugitive on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, marked due to his role in a multimillion-dollar ATM “jackpotting” scheme.

Aguirre, aged 50 and also known as “Prometheus” and “The Engineer,” appeared in a Nebraska courtroom. Charged with four federal conspiracy crimes, he pleaded not guilty and remains detained as he awaits trial.

This FBI is running on supercharged horsepower, and there is nowhere on this planet criminals can hide. – FBI Director Kash Patel

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized Aguirre’s capture as a notable success, being the 10th Ten Most Wanted fugitive apprehended since 2017. Patel remarked that the FBI’s efforts have led to significantly more captures than in the previous four years.

The FBI described Aguirre as spearheading an international plot to exploit financial institutions through ATM jackpotting, a cyberattack method using malware to force ATMs to dispense cash. The DOJ states the plan supported Tren de Aragua, a group labeled as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.

Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the DOJ has charged around 350 supposed Tren de Aragua members and associates since the group’s designation as a terrorist organization. Blanche assured continued efforts to dismantle narcoterrorist finance networks and prosecute violent criminals.

Aguirre faces charges related to bank fraud, bank burglary, computer fraud, money laundering, and supporting terrorism. The bank fraud conspiracy alone could result in a 30-year prison sentence if convicted.