'Jackpotting' crew stole over $500,000 from Connecticut ATMs — then took photos of their loot, FBI says

In total, eight ATMs were hit, with one machine spitting out about $136,000 in a single haul.

How the alleged scheme unfolded

Federal officials say the group used a combination of hardware and malware to compromise the machines, essentially tricking them into releasing cash like an overfilled vending machine.

Surveillance images included in the criminal complaint show men taking turns collecting bundles of cash as the ATMs dispensed the money. Other photos, reportedly taken by the suspects themselves, appear to show stacks of cash piled in the back seat of a silver Toyota Highlander used during the thefts.

Connecticut U.S. Attorney David Sullivan said four men face charges including conspiracy and transporting stolen property across state lines. The suspects are identified as: 49-year-old Willian Flores of the Bronx, 41-year-old Alberto Arvilla of Queens, 38-year-old Luis Arvilla of Lynn, Massachusetts, and 28-year-old Euclides Itanare of Raleigh, North Carolina.

The allegations have yet to be proven in court. All four have been ordered held without bail and could face up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.

Bank ATMs are usually safer — but not immune

Location plays a big role in ATM security. Machines inside bank branches or directly attached to financial institutions are typically under tighter surveillance and physical control, making them harder to tamper with unnoticed. They’re also more likely to be checked regularly by staff or security systems, which can shorten the window criminals have to interfere with them.