FBI Most Wanted Fugitive 'Prometheus' Is Captured
An FBI Most Wanted fugitive accused of leading a multimillion-dollar ATM hacking operation linked to Tren de Aragua faces charges.
Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, a Venezuelan man known as "Prometheus" and "The Engineer," has been captured by the FBI and brought to the United States to face federal charges. The 50-year-old is accused of leading a multimillion-dollar ATM hacking operation linked to the Tren de Aragua crime syndicate. Canelon Aguirre, who appeared in a Nebraska court on Friday, October 2, pleaded not guilty to all four counts against him.
He remains detained while awaiting trial. The FBI alleges that the operation, which began in January 2024, generated money for the Tren de Aragua syndicate by using malicious software to force ATMs to dispense cash. Canelon Aguirre is credited with developing "Ploutus" malware, a type of "ATM jackpotting" software, which allows criminals to force cash machines to dispense money without debiting a bank account.
The conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The material-support conspiracy charge carries up to 15 years in prison. Canelon Aguirre was added to the FBI's Most Wanted Fugitives list in March 2026, becoming the first alleged cybercriminal to receive the designation.
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