The FBI has arrested Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre, the first alleged cyber criminal to appear on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, and issued a warning to criminals still on the run.
US authorities confirmed that FBI agents had taken Aguirre into custody. Photographs released by the FBI show the suspect on a runway, flanked by officers. The bureau announced the arrest just before midnight on Saturday UK time.
FBI confirms capture and warning
In a post on X at 11:21pm, the FBI stated: "Anibal Alexander Canelon Aguirre is the 10th Ten Most Wanted fugitive captured by this FBI since January 2025. He is the first ever Cyber fugitive on FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Now he's back in the United States to face justice."
The bureau also delivered an ominous message to fugitives: "These criminals can run, but they cannot hide from this FBI."
Alleged role in international conspiracy
Aguirre, a Venezuelan national, stands accused of "allegedly leading a large international conspiracy that deploys numerous crews to the United States to steal millions of dollars from financial institutions" to bankroll the "Tren de Aragua transnational gang". The organisation is formally classified as a "foreign terrorist organisation" by the US government.
His FBI "most wanted" bulletin stated that Aguirre was sought in connection with "ATM jackpotting, a scheme where malware is installed on ATMs to force the unauthorised withdrawal of cash, after which the stolen cash flows through a complex money laundering network". A reward of $1 million was offered for information leading directly to his capture. He was "considered armed and dangerous".
Other fugitives on the list
Other individuals on the Ten Most Wanted list include additional members of the Tren de Aragua gang, as well as members of the MS-13 organised crime group. A $5 million bounty is placed on several members of the list, including Ruja Ignatova, also known as the "Cryptoqueen", who is allegedly behind a large ponzi scheme.
