Five Venezuelans Plead Guilty to Attempted ATM Jackpotting in Kansas
Summary
Five Venezuelan nationals pleaded guilty after trying to install remotely activated malware on Kansas ATMs to force cash dispensing. The attempts failed. The FBI reported more than 700 jackpotting incidents in 2025, causing over $20 million in losses.
Key points
- The five defendants attempted to install malware on ATMs in Wamego and Manhattan, Kansas, in December 2025.
- Their plan was to activate the malware remotely and force the ATMs to dispense cash.
- Both attempts failed; surveillance cameras captured the activity, and the defendants were arrested days later.
- All five pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank larceny. One was sentenced to nine months in prison; the other four await sentencing.
- The FBI warned in February 2026 that ATM jackpotting was increasing nationwide, with more than 1,900 incidents since 2020.
- More than 700 incidents were recorded in 2025, causing over $20 million in losses, according to the FBI.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Attempted ATM jackpotting operation resulting in guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit bank larceny.
- Impact
- The defendants planned to install malware on ATMs and remotely activate it to dispense cash. Both attempts were unsuccessful. Surveillance footage helped identify the defendants, who were arrested days later. Luis Alberto Velasquez-Artigas was sentenced to nine months in prison; the other four were awaiting sentencing.
People
Chris OrmerodFBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge who commented on the jackpotting case and trend.Gabriel Alexjandro Corales-GarciaOne of the five defendants who attempted the ATM jackpotting operation; awaiting sentencing.Italo Lizandro Corrales-CarrilloOne of the five defendants who attempted the ATM jackpotting operation; awaiting sentencing.Javier Mejia, JrOne of the five defendants who attempted the ATM jackpotting operation; awaiting sentencing.Luis Alberto Velasquez-ArtigasOne of the five defendants who attempted the ATM jackpotting operation; sentenced to nine months in prison.Royder Adrian Figuera-PerezOne of the five defendants who attempted the ATM jackpotting operation; awaiting sentencing.
Threat Actors
Gabriel Alexjandro Corales-GarciaAttempted to install malware on ATMs as part of the jackpotting operation; pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank larceny.Italo Lizandro Corrales-CarrilloAttempted to install malware on ATMs as part of the jackpotting operation; pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank larceny.Javier Mejia, JrAttempted to install malware on ATMs as part of the jackpotting operation; pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank larceny.Luis Alberto Velasquez-ArtigasAttempted to install malware on ATMs as part of the jackpotting operation; pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank larceny.Royder Adrian Figuera-PerezAttempted to install malware on ATMs as part of the jackpotting operation; pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank larceny.