A chilling wave of ATM robberies has swept across New England, and federal prosecutors have now charged two men allegedly linked to the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren De Aragua (TdA), in connection with a sophisticated conspiracy.
Moises Alejandro Martinez Gutierrez and Lestter Guerrero, both 29 years old, face charges of conspiracy to commit bank theft. The investigation reveals a meticulously planned operation targeting ATMs across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
This wasn’t simple smash-and-grab; the duo allegedly infiltrated the very core of the machines themselves. They are accused of installing malicious software directly into the ATMs’ programming, effectively forcing them to spew out their entire cash reserves – a technique known as “jackpotting.”
The arrests of Martinez Gutierrez and Guerrero on February 5th in Augusta, Maine, followed a failed attempt to exploit an ATM. However, charging documents suggest this was just one piece of a much larger, coordinated criminal network.
Martinez Gutierrez is reportedly tied to at least five other jackpotting incidents across the region, stretching back to December 31st in Connecticut and including robberies in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and a failed attempt in Rhode Island. Guerrero is linked to at least one additional heist, working alongside Martinez Gutierrez in New Hampshire.
Federal authorities are investigating a nationwide conspiracy orchestrated by TdA members, all focused on exploiting ATMs through malware. The scale of the operation suggests a deliberate and organized effort to siphon millions of dollars from financial institutions.
Court documents paint a disturbing picture of how TdA generates revenue through criminal activities. The gang allegedly operates with a strict financial structure, dividing the stolen funds with a clear purpose.
A significant portion – 50% – of the jackpotting proceeds are reportedly funneled back to gang leadership in Venezuela, while the remaining half is distributed among those directly involved in the ground operations. This system ensures the gang’s continued operation and expansion.
If convicted, Martinez Gutierrez and Guerrero could each face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a hefty fine of up to $250,000. The case underscores the growing threat posed by transnational criminal organizations operating within the United States.
The investigation continues, aiming to dismantle the entire network and understand the full extent of TdA’s reach and financial impact. This case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving sophistication of financial crime and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating it.
