The first fugitive of the digital age lands on the FBI’s infamous Ten Most Wanted list
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For the first time in its more than 75-year history, the FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitives list will include suspected cybercriminals — and officials say it’s a sign that today’s biggest threats don’t just carry guns, they carry malware.
Anibal Aguirre, who also goes by “Prometheus,” becomes Fugitive No. 540 on the infamous FBI list. Investigators say he is the alleged creator of an ATM “jackpotting” program that uses custom-built malware to force cash machines across the United States to withdraw cash.
But authorities say this isn’t just a high-tech theft.
Federal prosecutors allege the scheme funneled millions of dollars to Tren de Aragua (TdA), a violent Venezuelan transnational criminal organization that US officials describe as a terrorist group.
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A masked man appears in footage released by the Department of Justice as part of an intense investigation into an ATM fraud plot tied to the Tren de Aragua. (US Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska)
“The violent criminals on the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list are the worst, and they are being watched by the FBI,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement ahead of the announcement.
“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 made it clear that the Office relies on the community.
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“By sharing information about these fugitives with the public, we are greatly increasing our investigation,” he said. “Our message is simple: if you commit a violent crime or arrest innocent people, we will continue to pursue you – and with the public’s help, we will find you.”
Prosecutors in the state of Nebraska have charged 93 defendants in connection with the extensive conspiracy. Authorities say millions of rands are being withdrawn from ATM machines across the country as part of this scheme.
U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods says investigators are tracing money from compromised U.S. ATMs to what she describes as “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 fraud scheme targeting financial institutions across the US. (US Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska)
He says the stolen funds allegedly went to the leaders of Tren de Aragua “to finance their terrorist activities and their goals,” calling the case a major coordinated effort by law enforcement, local and state.
Woods says the investigation uncovers a conspiracy “from the grassroots to the suspected mastermind behind the malware” and removes dozens of TdA members from Nebraska.
“TdA members will not find safe harbor in the State of Nebraska,” he said.
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The undercover man is seen recording the ATM during what prosecutors describe as a syndicated jackpotting operation tied to a foreign criminal organization. (US 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 here in the Midwest and across our country.”
He said the organization relies on a range of criminal activities – including sophisticated cyber attacks on US financial institutions – to unleash violence and terror.
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The ATM appears to be open in a photo released by federal authorities as part of an intense investigation into an Internet-enabled jackpotting conspiracy. (US Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska)
“As criminal enterprises change tactics, we deploy resources and adapt to protect the American people,” Kowel said.
Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Mark Zito called Tren de Aragua “a brutal terrorist organization that preys on communities, spreads fear, and unleashes violence across borders.”
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A masked man appears in footage released by the Department of Justice as part of an intense investigation into an ATM fraud plot tied to the Tren de Aragua. (US Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska)
“We will not tolerate foreign terrorists who steal from our citizens and threaten our country,” said Zito. “We will follow you.”
The Ten Most Wanted Fugitive List was launched in the 1950s and traditionally features serial killers, cartel bosses and violent fugitives.
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By placing a suspected cybercriminal on that list for the first time, the FBI is sending a clear message: digital financial warfare tied to foreign criminal networks now ranks among the most serious threats the country faces.
Authorities believe Aguirre may be in Venezuela and operating outside the United States.
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Officials say his promotion to the 10 Most Wanted list is designed to generate international tips and increase pressure on the network after the operation.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicide and immigration crime. Send news tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
