Four Men Accused of Stealing Over $529,000 Through ATM Jackpotting Scheme
Federal authorities have charged four men in connection with an alleged ATM jackpotting operation that reportedly stole more than $529,000 from cash machines across Connecticut. Investigators say the thefts took place over a 10-day period in August 2025, targeting ATMs at multiple locations, including Interstate 95 rest stops.
According to prosecutors, the suspects used advanced hardware and malicious software to manipulate the ATMs, forcing the machines to release large amounts of cash without authorization. The four men were arrested following a joint investigation involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Investigators Say Specialized Malware Was Used
Officials allege the group carried out attacks on at least nine ATMs, successfully stealing $529,220 from eight of them between August 8 and August 18, 2025. One attempted theft reportedly failed after an ATM security software update prevented the attack.
Authorities identified the suspects as Euclides Moreno Itanare (28), Willian Ricardo Flores (49), Alberto Jose Freites Arvilla (41), and Luis Jose Freites Arvilla (38). All four are Venezuelan citizens residing in different U.S. states.
The largest reported theft occurred at an Interstate 95 northbound rest area in Fairfield, where investigators say the group extracted approximately $136,000 from a single ATM.
Surveillance Videos Revealed Coordinated Roles
Investigators said surveillance footage showed the suspects working together with assigned responsibilities during each incident. One individual allegedly acted as a lookout while another accessed the ATM’s internal components before the remaining members repeatedly withdrew cash over several hours.
Authorities also claim the group changed clothing between visits to the same ATM in an effort to avoid drawing attention and reduce the chances of being identified.
The investigation was led by the FBI, with assistance from Connecticut State Police and police departments in New York and North Carolina.
Federal Charges Carry Lengthy Prison Sentences
The four suspects are facing federal charges that include interstate transportation of stolen property and conspiracy. If convicted, they could face combined prison sentences of up to 15 years.
Federal investigators also released photographs allegedly showing the suspects working on ATM machines and posing with large amounts of cash believed to have been taken during the theft spree.
