Detroit Lakes, Minnesota – Authorities in Becker County are investigating whether a recent ATM theft attempt in Detroit Lakes may be connected to a larger organized crime network, following the arrest of four men accused of using a sophisticated hacking method to steal cash. While felony charges have been filed, law enforcement officials say the broader investigation is still unfolding.
Incident Overview
Four men appeared in a Becker County courtroom this week after being charged in connection with an attempted ATM theft in Detroit Lakes. Investigators allege the suspects targeted an automated teller machine using a highly technical method designed to force the machine to dispense cash without a debit card.
The suspects have been identified as Leybnis Alejandro Infante Centeno, Anthony Javier Sanchez Paez, Alejandro Jose Molina Vasquez, and Sneyder Jose Yoris Torres. Court records list Torres’ address as unknown, while the other three men are reported to be from the Denver metropolitan area in Colorado.
Timeline of Events
According to court documents, the four men were arrested Saturday following the alleged ATM theft attempt. Authorities say the suspects were taken into custody shortly after investigators gathered evidence linking them to the machine that had been targeted.
All four suspects remain in custody as the case proceeds through the court system. Felony charges have been filed, though additional charges could be considered as the investigation develops.
How the ATM Theft Allegedly Worked
Investigators say the suspects attempted a crime commonly referred to as “jackpotting.” This method involves physically breaking into an ATM and accessing its internal computer system. Once inside, criminals use specialized software or malicious code to command the machine to release large sums of cash without the need for a legitimate bank card or account.
Law enforcement agencies across the United States have reported an increase in jackpotting cases in recent years, particularly involving organized groups with advanced technical knowledge.
Possible Gang Connections Under Review
Police have not confirmed any gang affiliations, but investigators are examining whether the suspects may have ties to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization that has been linked to large-scale ATM jackpotting schemes nationwide.
Tren de Aragua has been documented by federal and local authorities as operating in several U.S. states, including Colorado. The Denver metro area, where three of the suspects are believed to reside, has previously been described by officials as a major hub for the group’s U.S. operations.
According to reporting from Valley News Live, law enforcement agencies have previously connected similar ATM theft cases in the region to individuals believed to be associated with the organization.
Regional Context and Prior Cases
In November 2024, investigators announced that members of the same Venezuelan criminal organization were believed to be operating in the Fargo–Moorhead area. During that investigation, Henry Theis was arrested in West Fargo after officers discovered $24,000 in cash inside his vehicle. He was accused of using the jackpotting method to steal money from an ATM at Gate City Bank.
Authorities later arrested two additional suspects in South Dakota in connection with that case, and investigators alleged that all were linked to the same criminal network.
What Police Are Saying
Detroit Lakes Police Chief Steve Todd said the department is limited in what it can publicly share at this stage.
“The investigation is ongoing, so we can’t comment on specifics beyond what is outlined in the criminal complaints,” Todd said.
Chief Todd confirmed that Detroit Lakes police have shared information with local, state, and federal agencies to assist with the broader investigation. He also noted that investigators are currently serving search warrants on two vehicles believed to have been involved in the attempted theft.
Public Safety and Awareness
Law enforcement officials say ATM jackpotting poses a serious financial risk to banks and businesses and often involves organized groups operating across state lines. Police encourage business owners to report suspicious behavior near ATMs, including tampering, unusual equipment, or individuals lingering around machines for extended periods.
Conclusion
As the four suspects face felony charges, investigators continue to determine whether the Detroit Lakes ATM case is an isolated incident or part of a larger organized crime operation. Authorities say additional details may emerge as evidence is analyzed and coordination with other agencies continues.
Anyone with information related to ATM thefts or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact local law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
