Columbia, South Carolina, January 23, 2026
Two Venezuelan nationals, Luz Granados and Johan Gonzalez-Jimenez, have been convicted for their roles in a sophisticated ATM jackpotting scheme that targeted banks in South Carolina and other states. Their actions involved using malware to exploit vulnerabilities in older ATMs, resulting in significant financial losses for the banks. Granados faces deportation after serving her time, while Gonzalez-Jimenez received an 18-month sentence and also will be deported afterward. This case highlights the growing threat of ATM jackpotting across the U.S.
Columbia, South Carolina
Two Venezuelan nationals have been convicted and are set to be deported after orchestrating an ATM “jackpotting” scheme targeting banks in the Midlands and Southeastern United States.
Conviction and Deportation
Luz Granados, 34, and Johan Gonzalez-Jimenez, 40, both residing illegally in the U.S., were found guilty of conspiracy and computer-related crimes. They exploited older-model Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) by installing malware that bypassed security protocols, causing the machines to dispense cash until their funds were depleted. The stolen money was taken directly from the banks that owned the ATMs, not from individual customer accounts.
Targeted Locations
The scheme affected ATMs in Rock Hill and Columbia, South Carolina, as well as locations in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Sentencing Details
Granados was sentenced to time served and remains in federal custody pending deportation. She was ordered to pay $126,340 in restitution. Gonzalez-Jimenez received an 18-month federal prison sentence and was ordered to pay $285,100 in restitution. He will be deported upon completing his sentence.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The U.S. Secret Service and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews prosecuted the case.
Background on ATM Jackpotting
ATM “jackpotting” involves exploiting vulnerabilities in ATM software to force machines to dispense cash. This method has been used in various incidents across the U.S., leading to significant financial losses for banks.
Related Incidents
In a separate case, Hector Alejandro Alvarado Alvarez, 22, and Cesar Augusto Gil Sanchez, 22, both Venezuelan nationals, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in a multi-state ATM “jackpotting” operation. They face a maximum of 30 years in prison, with sentencing dates to be determined.
Impact on Financial Institutions
These incidents highlight the ongoing threat of ATM “jackpotting” schemes, emphasizing the need for financial institutions to enhance security measures to protect against such cybercrimes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ATM “jackpotting”?
ATM “jackpotting” involves exploiting vulnerabilities in ATM software to force machines to dispense cash, often leading to significant financial losses for banks.
Where did the convicted individuals operate their scheme?
The scheme targeted ATMs in Rock Hill and Columbia, South Carolina, as well as locations in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.
What were the sentences for the convicted individuals?
Luz Granados was sentenced to time served and remains in federal custody pending deportation, with an order to pay $126,340 in restitution. Johan Gonzalez-Jimenez received an 18-month federal prison sentence and was ordered to pay $285,100 in restitution, with deportation upon completion of his sentence.
Which agencies investigated the case?
The U.S. Secret Service and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigated the case, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews.
Are there other similar cases?
Yes, in a separate case, two Venezuelan nationals pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in a multi-state ATM “jackpotting” operation, facing up to 30 years in prison.
Key Features of the ATM “Jackpotting” Scheme
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Convicted Individuals | Luz Granados, 34, and Johan Gonzalez-Jimenez, 40, both residing illegally in the U.S. |
| Criminal Activity | Exploited older-model ATMs by installing malware to dispense cash until funds were depleted, taking money directly from bank-owned ATMs. |
| Targeted Locations | ATMs in Rock Hill and Columbia, South Carolina, and locations in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. |
| Sentencing | Granados received time served and remains in federal custody pending deportation, ordered to pay $126,340 in restitution. Gonzalez-Jimenez received an 18-month federal prison sentence, ordered to pay $285,100 in restitution, with deportation upon completion of his sentence. |
| Investigation | Conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews. |
| Related Incidents | Similar ATM “jackpotting” schemes have been reported nationwide, leading to significant financial losses for banks. |
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Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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