FBI’s 10 Most Wanted: Venezuelan Linked to ATM Fraud & Terror Funding

Venezuelan National Added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List

The FBI has added Aníbal Alexander Canelón Aguirre, a Venezuelan national, to its Ten Most Wanted list, seeking information leading to his arrest. The move, announced Friday, March 13, 2026, elevates the profile of a case involving a sophisticated international criminal conspiracy targeting U.S. Financial institutions. Canelón Aguirre is accused of leading a criminal enterprise that has illicitly obtained millions of dollars through ATM “jackpotting” and related money laundering schemes. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $1 million for information directly leading to his capture.

The Charges: A Complex Web of Financial Crimes

According to the FBI, Canelón Aguirre and associates have been operating since January 2024, employing a technique known as “jackpotting.” This involves installing malware on ATMs to force unauthorized cash withdrawals. The stolen funds are then funneled through a complex network designed to conceal their origin – a process known as money laundering.

A federal warrant was issued for Canelón Aguirre’s arrest in December 2025 by the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, Omaha. The charges are significant and include: conspiracy to commit bank fraud; conspiracy to commit bank robbery and intentionally damage a protected computer; conspiracy to commit money laundering; and conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists. The specific details of the alleged terrorist connections remain unclear.

What is ATM Jackpotting? A Technical Explanation

ATM jackpotting is a particularly insidious form of financial crime. Unlike traditional ATM skimming, which involves physically altering the machine to steal card information, jackpotting directly compromises the ATM’s software. Criminals install malware – often delivered through a compromised USB port or network connection – that allows them to control the machine and instruct it to dispense cash. This method bypasses many of the security measures designed to protect against skimming, making it a more dangerous and difficult-to-detect threat. Kaspersky provides a detailed explanation of the technical aspects of ATM jackpotting, outlining the vulnerabilities exploited by criminals.

The Alleged Connection to Tren de Aragua

The FBI’s announcement specifically links Canelón Aguirre to the Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal organization. Details regarding the precise nature of this connection were not provided in the initial reports, but the implication is that the Tren de Aragua provided logistical support, manpower, or expertise to facilitate the ATM jackpotting scheme and subsequent money laundering operations. Tren de Aragua has been linked to a range of criminal activities, including extortion, kidnapping, and human trafficking.

The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List: A History and Process

The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list is a highly publicized program designed to capture dangerous fugitives. Established in 1950, the list has been instrumental in apprehending some of the nation’s most notorious criminals. Inclusion on the list signifies that the FBI considers a fugitive to be a significant threat and that their capture is a high priority.

The process for adding a fugitive to the list is rigorous. The FBI reviews cases based on several criteria, including the severity of the crime, the publicity surrounding the case, and the likelihood of successful apprehension. Once a fugitive is added, the FBI dedicates significant resources to their capture, including public awareness campaigns and international cooperation with law enforcement agencies. The FBI’s website provides a comprehensive history of the Ten Most Wanted program and details the criteria for inclusion.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: What We Know and What Remains Unknown

Confirmed:

• Aníbal Alexander Canelón Aguirre has been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.
• He is wanted on federal charges related to bank fraud, robbery, computer crimes, money laundering, and providing material support to terrorists.
• A reward of up to $1 million is offered for information leading to his capture.
• The case involves ATM jackpotting and a complex money laundering scheme.
• The FBI alleges a connection between Canelón Aguirre and the Tren de Aragua criminal organization.

Unclear:

• The specific details of the alleged terrorist connections remain undisclosed.
• The full extent of the Tren de Aragua’s involvement in the scheme has not been publicly revealed.
• The precise amount of money stolen through the ATM jackpotting operation is still being determined.
• Canelón Aguirre’s current location is unknown.

What Happens Next? The Path to Apprehension

The FBI will now leverage its extensive resources and international partnerships to locate and apprehend Canelón Aguirre. This will likely involve increased surveillance, collaboration with Interpol and law enforcement agencies in Venezuela and other countries, and continued public awareness campaigns. The $1 million reward is intended to incentivize individuals with information about his whereabouts to come forward. The case will remain a high priority for the FBI until Canelón Aguirre is brought to justice.