Cyber Theft Campaign by Iranian Nationals

The Department of Justice has charged 17 Iranian nationals with orchestrating a significant cyber theft campaign targeting American universities and government agencies. This operation involved compromising networks to steal intellectual property over a period starting in 2013.

Capture of Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre

Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, aged 50, also known as “Prometheus” and “The Engineer,” was brought back to the United States after being captured overseas. Aguirre appeared in a Nebraska courtroom facing charges related to a large-scale ATM “jackpotting” scheme. He pleaded not guilty to four federal conspiracy charges and remains detained in Nebraska pending trial.

FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted Aguirre’s return as a notable achievement, marking the 10th capture of a Ten Most Wanted fugitive since the Trump administration began, and the first cyber fugitive from this list.

FBI’s Success in Fugitive Capture

Aguirre, known as a leader within Tren de Aragua, an organization labeled as a foreign terrorist entity by the U.S., was apprehended in Venezuela. The FBI described Aguirre as leading an international effort to illegally extract millions from financial institutions using an ATM jackpotting strategy. This involves exploiting ATM vulnerabilities with malware to withdraw cash.

In addition to Aguirre’s arrest, FBI efforts have resulted in the capture of 10 fugitives, more than doubling the total recorded in the previous four years.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Aguirre faces charges of bank fraud, bank burglary, computer fraud, money laundering, and providing material support to terrorists. The most severe charge, bank fraud conspiracy, could result in a maximum prison sentence of 30 years if convicted.

Attorney General Todd Blanche noted the Department of Justice has charged approximately 350 individuals associated with Tran de Aragua since its designation as a foreign terrorist group. Blanche emphasized continued efforts to dismantle narcoterrorist finance networks, prosecute violent criminals, and safeguard American communities.