Mexican authorities dismantled an illegal crypto mining facility in the Tlaola municipality of Puebla state. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 specialized mining devices, along with transformers, medium-voltage equipment, and satellite internet antennas.
The facility was reportedly connected to a federal hydroelectric plant near the Nexaca reservoir to steal electricity. The investigation into the theft is being conducted by the Federal Electricity Commission, the Attorney General's Office, and the Mexican Navy.
Officials noted that the high noise levels and power consumption of such operations facilitate their detection. Authorities are now expanding their search for similar illegal sites into neighboring municipalities, following the closure of three other centers in Puebla and Tlaxcala in 2025.
Data from CFE Distribución indicates that non-technical electricity losses, including theft and meter tampering, reached 6,346 GWh between January and July 2024. The commercial value of this lost energy is estimated at approximately MXN 13.8 billion, or $817 million.
Law enforcement is investigating potential links between the seized equipment and money laundering activities. According to the cybersecurity group SILIKN, the use of crypto assets for money laundering in Mexico increased by 55.8% in 2025.
