DOJ Charges 54 in Ploutus ATM Scheme

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged 54 individuals in connection with a wide-reaching ATM hacking operation that used Ploutus malware to drain machines across the country. The sweeping indictment targets a group tied to Tren de Aragua, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, alleging the scheme generated millions to support its leadership.

Prosecutors revealed the group carried out physical attacks on ATMs, installing Ploutus malware by accessing machines directly or replacing internal components. The malware issued commands to the cash dispensers, forcing them to eject money. It also wiped data logs to mask infiltration.

The DOJ alleges these crimes occurred nationwide, with funds laundered back to Venezuela. Among the accused is entertainer Jimena Romina Araya Navarro, charged with aiding the group.

In total, the DOJ charges 54 people with crimes ranging from computer fraud to supporting terrorism. Defendants face up to 335 years in prison if convicted.

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U.S. DOJ Charged 54 in Connection With ATM Hacking Attack by Deploying Ploutus Malware