A Chilean national, aged 24, has been extradited to the United States to face charges related to his alleged involvement in a significant cybercrime operation. This operation reportedly involved the trafficking of stolen payment card data, posing a notable threat to financial security.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The suspect, identified as Alex Rodrigo Valenzuela Monje, also known by his online alias VAL4K, appeared in a federal court in Utah. He faces accusations of trafficking unauthorized access devices and illegally transferring identification methods to facilitate criminal activities.
These charges are linked to his alleged management of an illegal online card shop. This shop was reportedly used to sell stolen credit card information, a serious offense under US law.
Details of the Cybercrime Operation
Valenzuela Monje is accused of operating Telegram channels named MacacoCC Collective and Novato Carding from May 2021 to August 2023. These channels allegedly distributed large volumes of compromised payment card information, including essential details like account numbers, card types, expiration dates, and security codes.
Reports suggest that he trafficked data for approximately 26,000 cards from a single major US brand, underscoring the scale of the operation.
Extradition Process and Court Proceedings
Following an indictment by a Salt Lake City grand jury in August 2023, Valenzuela Monje’s extradition process became prolonged. Initially approved by Chile’s Supreme Court in April 2025, legal appeals delayed his transfer until January 2026.
He was subsequently handed over to US authorities on February 25, 2026, and pleaded not guilty during his arraignment the following day.
The case highlights ongoing international efforts to combat cybercrime and secure digital financial transactions. As proceedings continue, the outcome may set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
