Alex Fajin-Diaz, Jackpotting Scheme, Connecticut 2018

CROMWELL, CT – Two men are facing federal charges after a brazen ATM “jackpotting” scheme was foiled by quick-thinking bank investigators and local police. Alex Alberto Fajin-Diaz, 31, a citizen of Spain, and Argenys Rodriguez, 21, of Springfield, Massachusetts, were apprehended near a compromised ATM in Cromwell, Connecticut, on January 27th, with over $9,000 in twenty-dollar bills stuffed in their vehicle.

The duo allegedly utilized sophisticated malware designed to force ATMs to spew out their entire cash contents – a tactic known within law enforcement as “jackpotting.” According to court documents, Fajin-Diaz and Rodriguez posed as legitimate repair technicians, gaining access to ATMs to install the malicious software. Once deployed, the malware bypassed security measures, enabling a second individual to drain the machines.

The investigation, a joint effort between federal, state, and local agencies, stemmed from a series of jackpotting attacks across Connecticut and Rhode Island, specifically targeting ATMs in Hamden, Guilford, and Providence. Citizens Bank investigators first flagged suspicious activity in Cromwell, leading to the interception of Fajin-Diaz and Rodriguez. Police discovered their vehicle sporting a license plate registered to a different car, further raising suspicion.

A search of the vehicle yielded tools and electronic devices consistent with those used to compromise ATM machines. The discovery of $9,000 in crisp $20 bills sealed their fate. Authorities believe the pair were in the process of extracting cash from the compromised Cromwell ATM when they were caught. The scheme targeted multiple banks, and investigators are still determining the full extent of the financial losses.

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham emphasized that the charges are merely allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, if convicted of bank fraud, both Fajin-Diaz and Rodriguez face a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

The investigation remains ongoing, involving the Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force, the U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut State Police, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, Middlesex State’s Attorney’s Office, Cromwell Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Greenwich Police Department. This case underscores the growing threat of cybercrime targeting financial institutions and the importance of interagency collaboration to combat these increasingly sophisticated attacks.

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