17 Iranians Charged in Cyber Theft Campaign
The Department of Justice has indicted 17 Iranian individuals for a large-scale cyber theft initiative, targeting American universities and government entities. An investigation reveals that these hackers infiltrated systems to steal intellectual property since 2013. Officials assert that the United States remains committed to pursuing foreign cyber criminals, regardless of how much time has passed.
Meanwhile, Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, a 50-year-old alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua, has become the first-ever cyber fugitive to be placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list. Captured overseas last month, he has returned to the U.S. to face charges related to a multimillion-dollar ATM fraud scheme.
During his initial court appearance in Nebraska, Aguirre, also known as “Prometheus” and “The Engineer,” pleaded not guilty to four federal conspiracy charges. He is currently being held in Nebraska as he awaits trial, as reported by the DOJ.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted Aguirre’s capture, emphasizing that he represents the 10th fugitive apprehended from the Ten Most Wanted list since the start of the Trump administration, and the first cyber fugitive ever featured on that list.
Patel stated, “Now he’s back in the United States to face justice. This FBI is running on supercharged horsepower — and there is nowhere on this planet criminals can hide.” He pointed out that the number of captures so far greatly exceeds those recorded over the previous four-year period.
Canelon Aguirre was taken into custody last month in Venezuela. He is accused of leading a significant international scheme that has stolen millions from financial institutions to fund Tren de Aragua through an ATM “jackpotting” operation that has been ongoing since at least 2024.
In this type of cyberattack, criminals exploit vulnerabilities in ATMs, sometimes using malware, to force the machines to dispense cash, according to the DOJ. Prosecutors allege that Canelon Aguirre was responsible for creating malicious software and played a key role in the conspiracy.
The broader ATM jackpotting operation is reportedly linked to Tren de Aragua, which the U.S. has classified as a foreign terrorist organization. Attorney General Todd Blanche noted that nearly 350 individuals associated with Tren de Aragua have been charged since the group’s designation.
Blanche remarked, “The capture and arrest of Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre marks yet another success for the Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Vulcan. We will continue to dismantle narcoterrorist financial networks, prosecute violent criminals, and ensure American neighborhoods remain safe.”
Aguirre faces charges that include conspiracy related to bank fraud, bank burglary, computer fraud, money laundering, and providing material support to terrorists. The bank fraud conspiracy, in particular, carries a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison, according to the DOJ.
