The US Department of Justice charged 31 additional individuals in an international ATM jackpotting operation, bringing the total targeted to 87. Authorities say mostly Venezuelan nationals, including members of the Tren de Aragua syndicate, used Ploutus malware and physical tampering to force ATMs to dispense cash and then erase forensic traces. #Ploutus #TrenDeAragua
Keypoints
- DOJ charged 31 more suspects, bringing the total number targeted to 87.
- Most defendants are Venezuelan nationals, including members of Tren de Aragua, with some Colombians indicted.
- Defendants face charges such as conspiracy to commit bank fraud, burglary, computer fraud, and intentional damage to protected systems.
- Investigators say the group used Ploutus malware plus physical tampering (hard drive swaps or USB infections) to make ATMs eject cash.
- Ploutus has been active for over a decade, deleted its own traces after attacks, remained in use through last year, and convicted participants face deportation.
Read More: https://www.securityweek.com/us-charges-31-more-defendants-in-massive-atm-hacking-probe/