Venezuelan Gang Members Sentenced for ATM Hacking Scheme
Two men from Venezuela walked up to a bank ATM in Lincoln, Nebraska — and walked away with cash that wasn't theirs. They were part of a criminal network tied to one of the most dangerous gangs in the Western Hemisphere. Now, both are heading to federal prison for six and a half years.
What happened: ATM hacking tied to Tren de Aragua
Carlos Javier Padron, 36, was sentenced on June 26, 2026, to 78 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme to hack ATMs across the United States. His co-defendant, Oddry Arnoldo Cabrera Torrealba, 37, received the same sentence on June 11, 2026. Both men are Venezuelan nationals who were in the US without legal status. A federal court also ordered them to jointly pay $1,537,696 in restitution to the banks they targeted.
The two men were part of a larger criminal network that used a type of malware (malicious software) called Ploutus. They physically installed this software on ATMs. Once activated, the malware forced the machines to spit out cash — a technique called "ATM jackpotting." The malware was also designed to erase itself, making it harder for banks to detect the attack. Padron and Torrealba were arrested by Lincoln, Nebraska police in October 2024 while carrying out one of these attacks. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank burglary and computer fraud.
Immigration Deadlines 2026 — Free
Download PDF with all key dates
Federal prosecutors say this scheme was not just about stealing money. Investigators linked the network to Tren de Aragua (TdA), a violent transnational criminal organization that started as a prison gang in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods for the District of Nebraska called ATM jackpotting "TdA's business plan" and its main source of funding. That money, prosecutors say, goes toward drug trafficking, human trafficking, robbery, and murder. Since the arrests of Padron and Torrealba, 96 other people have been indicted in connection with this conspiracy. The investigation is being led by the FBI's Omaha Field Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with help from dozens of local and federal agencies across the country.
What this means for immigrants
This case is part of a broader federal effort called the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), created under Executive Order 14159. The task force focuses on identifying and removing what the government calls "violent criminal aliens." Cases like this one are being used to justify increased immigration enforcement. If you or someone you know is undocumented or has a pending immigration case, a criminal conviction — even a minor one — can have serious consequences, including removal proceedings (the formal legal process to deport someone from the US).
What to do
- If you are undocumented and have any contact with law enforcement, do not answer questions without speaking to a lawyer first. You have the right to remain silent.
- If you receive a notice to appear in immigration court (called an NTA, or Notice to Appear), do not ignore it. Missing your hearing can result in an automatic removal order.
- If you are detained by ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement), you may have the right to an immigration bond hearing. Lawyers recommend requesting this hearing as soon as possible.
- If you have a criminal record — even an old one — consult an immigration lawyer before traveling, renewing any status, or filing any immigration application. Criminal history can affect your eligibility for a green card, asylum, or other benefits.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Immigration Court Rulings”.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
Any non-citizen convicted of an aggravated felony — which includes computer fraud and bank burglary — faces mandatory removal from the US with virtually no path to relief, including asylum. If you are undocumented and have any criminal history, even arrests without convictions, you should consult an immigration attorney before any interaction with federal agencies, because HSTF operations are actively targeting individuals with gang-related ties. Do not wait until you receive a Notice to Appear — by then, your options are already limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone be deported just for being undocumented, even without a criminal conviction?
Yes. Being in the US without legal status is itself grounds for removal proceedings. A criminal conviction makes deportation faster and removes most options to fight it.
What is Tren de Aragua, and why does it matter for immigration cases?
Tren de Aragua (TdA) is a Venezuelan criminal organization that the US government has designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Being linked to TdA — even indirectly — can bar you from asylum and other immigration benefits, and can lead to criminal charges including material support for terrorism.
If ICE arrests me, do I have any rights?
Yes. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or where you are from. Ask for a lawyer immediately and do not sign any documents without legal advice.
Can a criminal conviction affect my asylum application?
Yes. Certain crimes — especially aggravated felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude — can make you ineligible for asylum. If you have a criminal record and are planning to apply for asylum, speak with an immigration lawyer first to understand how it may affect your case.