News

Caught in the act: US authorities nab ATM jackpotting suspects in Connecticut

February 8, 2018

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced the arrest of Alex Alberto Fajin-Diaz, 31, a citizen of Spain, and Argenys Rodriguez, 21, of Springfield, Massachusetts, on federal charges of bank fraud stemming from an alleged ATM jackpotting scheme.

Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have been investigating recent jackpotting attacks on ATMs in Hamden and Guilford, Connecticut, as well as Providence, Rhode Island, according to a criminal complaint.

On Jan. 27, Citizens Bank investigators contacted police after they observed what appeared to be an attack on an ATM in Cromwell, Connecticut. Cromwell police accosted Fajin-Diaz and Rodriguez near an ATM that had been compromised with jackpotting malware and was in the process of dispensing $20 bills.

A search of the suspects' vehicle turned up tools and electronic devices consistent with items needed to jackpot an ATM. Fajin-Diaz and Rodriguez also were in possession of more than $9,000 in $20 bills, the press release said.

The suspects were arrested Jan. 27 and remain in jail, according to a press release. The charge of bank fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.