Mexican authorities, including the Navy and state police, recently raided a clandestine cryptocurrency mining facility located in the mountains of Puebla. During the operation, officials confiscated approximately 300 GPUs, eight satellite antennas, a transformer, and 80 medium-voltage terminations. The site was reportedly situated near a hydroelectric dam, which the operators used to source electricity.
This facility marks the fourth such site discovered in the region since early 2023. Local residents reported significant noise from the equipment, which was audible from a distance of one kilometer. The operation is part of a broader trend where criminal organizations, such as the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, utilize remote areas to conduct illicit mining activities while stealing power.
According to data from the cybersecurity firm SILIKN, the use of cryptomining for money laundering in Mexico increased by at least 55.8% last year. Cartels are reportedly mining assets including Bitcoin, Monero, and Tether. Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis noted that global illicit crypto transactions rose to $154 billion last year, driven by sanctions evasion and money laundering schemes.
The choice of location in remote communities like Tlaola allows cartels to exploit cheap electricity and maintain operational secrecy. Similar raids on illicit mining farms have been documented in countries including Brazil, Thailand, and the United States. Analysts suggest that crypto-related criminal activity is likely to continue growing in the coming years.
