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Green Forest Today
By the People, for the People
East Texas Police Bust Multi-State ATM Crime Ring
Three men arrested for high-tech ATM 'jackpotting' scheme spanning multiple states
Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:04pm
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A damaged ATM card slot, a stark reminder of the high-tech tactics used by criminal syndicates to target financial infrastructure.Green Forest TodayAuthorities in East Texas have arrested three men for their alleged involvement in a multi-state ATM 'jackpotting' scheme. The suspects are accused of using Raspberry Pi devices to remotely force ATMs to dispense cash, which they would then give to criminal associates outside the U.S. The investigation tracked the suspects across multiple states before leading to the arrests.
Why it matters
ATM jackpotting is a growing high-tech crime that can result in significant financial losses for banks and consumers. This case highlights the sophisticated methods used by organized criminal groups to target ATMs, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking and apprehending the perpetrators across state lines.
The details
According to investigators, the suspects would scout out ATM locations, open the machines, and connect Raspberry Pi devices that allowed an off-site accomplice to wirelessly force the ATMs to dispense cash. The stolen money was then handed off to criminal associates outside the United States. Surveillance footage and vehicle tracking helped investigators identify the suspects and uncover their multi-state operation.
- On September 28, 2025, a scout vehicle was recorded on security footage during an attempted jackpotting scheme in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
- On December 19, 2025, the same vehicle was seen scouting another ATM at Southside Bank in Tyler, Texas.
- On January 11, 2026, the vehicle was spotted near an ATM at the Bank of 1889 in Green Forest, Arkansas, where another jackpotting attempt was made.
- On that same day, investigators identified the vehicle's driver as Luis Miguel Oviedo Rico and the other occupant as Elvis Rafael Oviedo Rico, both Dallas residents, and arrested them.
- On March 30, 2026, the alleged coordinator of the jackpotting operation, known as 'El Mecanico' or 'The Mechanic,' was identified as Mickael Freney Toloza Parra and arrested by the Smith County Sheriff's Office.
The players
Luis Miguel Oviedo Rico
A Dallas resident who was arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity in connection to the jackpotting schemes.
Elvis Rafael Oviedo Rico
A Dallas resident who was arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity in connection to the jackpotting schemes.
Mickael Freney Toloza Parra
Also known as 'El Mecanico' or 'The Mechanic,' he was identified as the coordinator of the jackpotting operation and was arrested by the Smith County Sheriff's Office.
What’s next
Investigators are continuing to work with law enforcement agencies across multiple states to identify any additional suspects or victims connected to the ATM jackpotting scheme.
The takeaway
This case highlights the need for stronger security measures and collaboration between financial institutions, law enforcement, and technology companies to combat the rising threat of sophisticated ATM-related crimes. It also underscores the importance of consumer vigilance in monitoring their financial accounts and reporting any suspicious activity.
