First digital-age fugitive lands on FBI’s infamous Ten Most Wanted list
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A cybercriminal is on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for the first time in its more than 75-year history, and officials say it’s a sign that today’s biggest threats carry not just weapons but also malware.
Anibal Aguirre, also referred to as “Prometheus”, becomes Fugitive #540 on the FBI’s most infamous roster. Investigators say he is the alleged architect behind an extensive ATM “bonus” scheme that used custom-made malware to force ATMs across the United States to dispense money on command.
But authorities say this isn’t just the theft of high-tech.
Federal prosecutors allege the operation funneled millions of dollars to the violent Venezuelan transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TdA), which U.S. officials have designated a terrorist group.
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A masked person appears in surveillance footage released by the Department of Justice as part of an extensive investigation into an ATM bonus conspiracy linked to Tren de Aragua. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska)
“The violent criminals on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list are the worst of the worst, and they are in the FBI’s purview,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement before the announcement. he said.
“For more than 75 years, the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program has been one of the FBI’s most powerful tools in bringing dangerous criminals to justice.”
Patel makes it clear that the Bureau trusts the public.
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“By sharing information about these fugitives with the public, we are greatly expanding the scope of our investigations,” he said. “Our message is simple: If you commit violent crimes or prey on innocent people, we will continue to pursue you and, with the help of the public, we will find you.”
Prosecutors for the District of Nebraska have charged 93 defendants in connection with the broader conspiracy. Authorities say millions of dollars were withdrawn from ATM machines across the country as part of the scheme.
U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods said investigators followed a trail of money from seized American ATMs to what she called the operation’s “terrorist roots in Venezuela.”
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Surveillance footage released by the US Attorney’s Office shows an individual allegedly involved in an ATM bonus scheme targeting financial institutions across the US (U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska)
He described the case as a massive coordinated effort by state, local and federal law enforcement, alleging that the stolen funds went to Tren de Aragua leaders “to finance their terrorist activities and objectives.”
Woods said the investigation exposed the conspiracy “from its lowest levels to the alleged mastermind behind the malware” and dozens of TdA members were removed from Nebraska.
“TdA members will not find a safe haven in the State of Nebraska,” he says.
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A hooded individual appears to be tapping an ATM during what prosecutors describe as a coordinated jackpot operation tied to a foreign criminal organization. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska)
Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel of the FBI’s Omaha Field Office said TdA “poses a direct threat to our communities both in the Midwest and across our country.”
He said the organization relied on a range of criminal operations, including sophisticated cyberattacks on US financial institutions, to finance violence and terrorism.
An ATM is seen open in an image released by federal authorities as part of an extensive investigation into a cyber-enabled jackpot conspiracy. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska)
“As criminal organizations change their tactics, we are increasing resources and adapting accordingly to protect the American people,” Kowel said.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito called Tren de Aragua “a ruthless terrorist organization that preys on communities, spreads fear, and finances violence across borders.”
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A masked person appears in surveillance footage released by the Department of Justice as part of an extensive investigation into an ATM bonus conspiracy linked to Tren de Aragua. (U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska)
“We will not tolerate foreign terrorists stealing from our citizens and threatening our homeland,” Zito said. “We will follow you.”
The Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, launched in 1950, has traditionally included serial killers, cartel bosses, and violent fugitives.
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By placing an alleged cyberarchitect on this list for the first time, the FBI is sending a clear message: Digital financial warfare tied to foreign criminal networks is now among the most serious threats facing the country.
Authorities believe Aguirre may be in Venezuela and operating outside the United States.
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Authorities say his elevation to the Ten Most Wanted list was designed to obtain international leads and increase pressure on the network behind the operation.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI.
Stepheny Price covers crimes including missing persons, murders and immigration crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
