Los Quintis ATM Fraud Gang Members Jailed Over Large Banking Theft Scheme in Colombia

Five alleged members of the criminal organization known as Los Quintis ATM fraud gang charged in Colombia have been ordered into preventive detention after investigators connected them to a sophisticated banking fraud operation. Authorities claim the group manipulated ATM machines, stole debit and credit cards, and caused financial losses exceeding 1.2 billion Colombian pesos.

Court Orders Preventive Detention for Five Suspects

A Colombian judge placed five alleged members of the criminal organization known as Los Quintis in preventive detention while criminal proceedings continue.

According to prosecutors, the group operated between 2023 and 2026 and is believed to have committed 13 confirmed thefts along with nearly 250 incidents involving the illegal obstruction of computerized banking systems.

Investigators believe the organization specifically targeted ATM users in Bogotá, municipalities throughout Cundinamarca, and several other Colombian cities.

Investigators Describe Sophisticated ATM Manipulation

Authorities say the suspects allegedly used adhesive substances to intentionally damage ATM card slots.

When customers experienced problems, members of the organization reportedly approached them pretending to offer assistance.

During these interactions, investigators say the suspects secretly observed victims entering their PIN numbers before taking possession of their bank cards.

The stolen cards were then allegedly used for unauthorized cash withdrawals and purchases.

Elderly Customers Were Frequently Targeted

According to investigators, many of the victims were older adults who had been carefully selected because they were considered more vulnerable to deception.

Authorities estimate the criminal organization generated financial losses exceeding 1.2 billion Colombian pesos, including stolen funds and repair costs incurred by banking institutions.

Criminal Charges Filed Against the Defendants

The defendants were identified as:

• Miguel Ángel Paredes Daza
• Laura Valentina Orozco Romero
• Jonathan Yesid Rojas Castiblanco
• Héctor Javier Bautista Vargas
• Anderson Steve Sánchez Aguilar

Prosecutors charged them with conspiracy to commit crimes, aggravated theft, and aggravated unlawful interference with computer systems and communication networks.

Additional Weapons Charges

Authorities also charged Anderson Steve Sánchez Aguilar with firearm-related offenses after officers allegedly recovered a functional shotgun, 16-gauge ammunition, and additional cartridges during his arrest.

Investigators said he did not possess the required legal authorization for the weapons.

Defendants Reject the Allegations

Despite the evidence presented during the preliminary hearings, all five defendants formally denied the criminal charges filed against them.

The investigation remains active as Colombian authorities continue gathering additional evidence related to the alleged ATM fraud network.