A reconnaissance team surveilled ATMs before one or two burglars executed thefts across several states. Suspects Joel Morantes Leal and Endis Gonzalez Ortega have been indicted for conspiracy and ATM hacking. They allegedly used foreign devices to manipulate ATMs into dispensing cash excessively. Investigators identified their activities in California's Central Valley and in states as distant as Washington, Nebraska, and Colorado, with thefts exceeding $200,000. The suspects were arrested after agents linked surveillance footage to their social media profiles, leading to their extradition to Sacramento.
The crew was prolific, hitting targets around California's Central Valley but also as far away as Washington state and Nebraska.
In an indictment filed last month, Joel Morantes Leal and Endis Gonzalez Ortega were charged with conspiracy and hacking or attempting to hack ATMs.
Federal agents were able to link pictures from surveillance footage to suspects' social media profiles, according to the criminal complaint.
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