FBI's first cyber fugitive on Ten Most Wanted list captured in Venezuela returns to the US

<p>Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, a 50-year-old leader of the Tren de Aragua, has returned to the United States after being captured in Venezuela last month. He is the first-ever cyber fugitive to be placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list.</p><p>Canelon Aguirre, also known as "Prometheus" and "The Engineer," appeared in a Nebraska courtroom on Friday to face charges related to a multimillion-dollar ATM "jackpotting" scheme. He pleaded not guilty to four federal conspiracy charges and will remain detained in Nebraska while awaiting trial, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).</p><p>FBI Director Kash Patel noted Aguirre's capture as the 10th fugitive apprehended from the Ten Most Wanted list since the beginning of the Trump administration. He emphasized that Aguirre's return demonstrates the FBI's commitment to pursuing criminals globally.</p><p>Patel stated, "Now he’s back in the United States to face justice. This FBI is running on supercharged horsepower — and there is nowhere on this planet criminals can hide." He also mentioned that the 10 captures are more than 2½ times the total recorded during the previous four years.</p><p>The FBI had previously indicated that Aguirre led a significant international conspiracy to steal millions from financial institutions through ATM jackpotting since at least 2024. An ATM jackpotting attack involves exploiting vulnerabilities in ATMs, often using malware, to force the machines to dispense cash.</p><p>Prosecutors allege that Canelon Aguirre developed malicious software and played a key role in the ATM jackpotting conspiracy, which is linked to Tren de Aragua, designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization.</p><p>Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the DOJ has charged nearly 350 alleged members and associates of Tren de Aragua since its designation. He remarked, "The capture and arrest of Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre marks yet another success for the Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Vulcan. We will continue to break up narcoterrorist finance networks, prosecute violent criminals, and keep American neighborhoods safe."</p><p>Aguirre faces four conspiracy counts, including bank fraud, bank burglary, computer fraud, money laundering, and providing material support to terrorists. The bank fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, according to the DOJ.</p>