Mexico Escalates Pursuit of Illegal Crypto Mines

Mexico is intensifying its search for unauthorized cryptocurrency mines in an effort to reduce widespread power theft, following the shutdown of a hydroelectric-powered facility housing 300 machines.

The clandestine mine, situated in a remote area of northern Puebla, was illegally drawing power from the Nuevo Necaxa dam.

Local media reported that Puebla's Public Security Secretariat will expand its search for similar sites across neighboring states.

Francisco Sánchez, the head of the agency, stated: “This activity consumes a great deal of energy and generates a lot of noise, which is why operators seek out isolated and very remote locations.”

Authorities in Puebla believe the operation might have been used to legitimize and launder proceeds from other illicit activities.

Mexican Keyboardist's Murder Tied to Bitcoin Stash

In a separate case, Mexican prosecutors suspect the killings of Jonathan Meléndez, his pregnant wife Ana Paula Barragán, their three-year-old daughter Sofía, and the 21-year-old nanny Aleyda Romero, were driven by a bitcoin hoard the perpetrators thought was worth millions.

Two suspects, Diego Sebastián “N” and Gerardo “N”, were taken into custody on September 2. No bitcoin was taken during the murders, and a witness later mentioned a device containing 3 million pesos in cryptocurrency, valued at $177,000.

Legal bitcoin mining firms must account for electricity expenses to run their machines, cooling costs, and local rules governing commercial power consumption.

By contrast, unauthorized miners target poor or neglected power systems that can be tapped without attracting attention.