FBI's First Cyber Fugitive, Alleged Tren de Aragua Leader, Pleads Not Guilty

Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, identified as an alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization and the FBI's first-ever cyber fugitive placed on its Ten Most Wanted list, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Aguirre was returned to the U.S. from Venezuela and appeared in a Nebraska courtroom.

He faces four federal conspiracy charges related to a multimillion-dollar ATM "jackpotting" scheme. He pleaded not guilty and will remain detained while awaiting trial, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted Aguirre's return as a significant achievement, noting he is the first cyber fugitive ever added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list and the 10th fugitive captured since the start of the Trump administration. Patel stated that criminals have nowhere to hide from the FBI.

Aguirre was apprehended in Venezuela last month. The FBI had previously indicated that he led an international conspiracy to steal millions from financial institutions through an ATM jackpotting scheme, reportedly since 2024. An ATM jackpotting attack involves exploiting vulnerabilities in ATMs, often through malware, to force them to dispense cash.

Prosecutors allege that Canelon Aguirre developed malicious software and was a key figure in the ATM jackpotting conspiracy. The DOJ has linked this broader scheme to Tren de Aragua, an organization designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization.

Attorney General Todd Blanche commented that the capture of Aguirre is another success for the Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Vulcan. He asserted that the DOJ will continue to dismantle narcoterrorist finance networks and prosecute violent criminals.

Aguirre is charged with conspiracy to commit 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.