Two individuals believed to be affiliated with the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua have been arrested under allegations of participating in a widespread ATM jackpotting scheme across New England. The two suspects, identified as Moises Alejandro Martinez Gutierrez and Lestter Guerrero, both aged 29, face charges of conspiracy to commit bank theft, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. Both men are reported to be in the United States illegally.
### Allegations and Arrest Details
The duo is implicated in a string of robberies and attempted robberies at ATMs in several states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Authorities assert that they managed to install malware directly into the ATMs’ software, prompting these machines to dispense all available cash.
Martinez Gutierrez was arrested on February 5 in Augusta, Maine, during an attempted robbery. Subsequent investigations have linked him to multiple incidents, most notably on December 31, 2022, in Norwich, Connecticut; January 20, 2023, in Braintree, Massachusetts; and January 30, 2023, in Rochester, New Hampshire. Prosecutors also cite attempted robberies attributed to Martinez Gutierrez on January 14 in Coventry, Rhode Island, and January 19 in Stoneham, Massachusetts.
Guerrero is connected to at least one jackpotting incident alongside Martinez Gutierrez on January 30.
### Ongoing Investigation
Federal prosecutors have indicated the existence of a broader investigation targeting a nationwide conspiracy allegedly orchestrated by members of Tren De Aragua. The gang is reportedly involved in a variety of criminal enterprises, with ATM jackpotting being a significant revenue source. Authorities estimate that millions of dollars have been stolen from financial institutions through this method.
If convicted, Martinez Gutierrez and Guerrero face potential penalties of up to five years in prison, a maximum of three years of supervised release post-incarceration, and fines that could reach $250,000. The court documents highlight that the proceeds from their alleged jackpotting activities are often funneled back to gang leadership in Venezuela, with 50% of the takings designated for the leaders and the other half split among those executing the ground operations.
The arrests reflect the increasing attention law enforcement is paying to gangs involved in sophisticated financial crimes, as evidenced by ongoing federal actions against Tren De Aragua and its members.
Source reference: Full report
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