Cartel-Linked Crypto Farm Uncovered in Mexican Mountains

A clandestine cryptocurrency farm hidden in the mountains of Central Mexico has brought attention to how organized crime groups, particularly cartels, are using virtual currency mining and transfers to launder illicit funds.

The discovery was made after police heard loud mechanical whirring coming from a ramshackle building near a gravel road. The authorities found 300 graphics processing units (GPUs), 80 medium-voltage terminals, and eight satellite antennae, all geared for crypto mining.

This is the fourth such farm uncovered in Puebla state since last year. David Saucedo, a Mexico-based security analyst, said setting up an operation like this would require technical expertise and backing from a well-financed group, suggesting cartel involvement.