The Department of Justice has brought charges against 17 Iranian nationals accused of engaging in a significant cyber theft operation. This campaign allegedly targeted American universities and government agencies, seeking to steal intellectual property since 2013.
In a related development, Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, a Venezuelan, has been captured and returned to the U.S. to face federal charges. Known by aliases such as “Prometheus” and “The Engineer,” Aguirre became the first-ever cyber fugitive on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list.
Aguirre appeared in a Nebraska courtroom, pleading not guilty to four federal conspiracy charges linked to an ATM “jackpotting” scheme. This type of cyberattack exploits ATM vulnerabilities, causing machines to dispense cash illicitly.
“Now he’s back in the United States to face justice,” stated FBI Director Kash Patel. “This FBI is running on supercharged horsepower — and there is nowhere on this planet criminals can hide.”
Patel emphasized that Aguirre is the 10th Ten Most Wanted fugitive captured since the Trump administration began. His arrest highlights a continued focus on cyber fugitives and features the FBI’s commitment to international operations against such threats.
The DOJ alleged that Aguirre led a large-scale international conspiracy, stealing millions from financial institutions. This effort supported Tren de Aragua, designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization.
The DOJ stated that since Trde de Aragua’s terrorist designation, approximately 350 members and associates have faced charges. These actions reflect ongoing measures to dismantle narcoterrorist financial networks.
Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed satisfaction over the capture, citing the success of organized task forces in mitigating threats to public safety.
Aguirre faces serious charges, including bank fraud, money laundering, and providing material support to terrorists. The bank fraud conspiracy charge alone could lead to a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
His case underscores the continued efforts to safeguard American institutions and neighborhoods from international cyber threats and criminal networks.
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