Mexican Authorities Seize 300 GPUs in Cartel-Linked Crypto Mining Bust
Mexican authorities have made a significant seizure of cryptocurrency mining equipment in the state of Puebla, uncovering a suspected illicit operation linked to organized crime groups. In total, 300 GPUs, 80 medium-voltage terminals, and eight satellite antennas were seized from a hidden crypto mine deep in the mountains.
The site was located off a quiet gravel road in the Sierra Norte mountains and had been tapping power directly from a nearby hydroelectric dam. Locals reported hearing a loud mechanical hum emanating from the area, which drew attention from investigators.
Security analyst David Saucedo noted that running an operation like this requires both technical expertise and significant financing, indicating that it's likely linked to a major cartel. The seizure is part of a broader pattern of illicit crypto mining operations being uncovered across multiple countries.
Illicit crypto transactions have more than doubled worldwide in 2025, with wallet addresses linked to criminal activity receiving an estimated $154 billion last year, up from $59 billion the previous year. Chainalysis data suggests that crypto-linked crime is expected to continue climbing as digital assets become more widely adopted.