Mexican Cartels' Crypto Empire: Hidden Farm Uncovered in Puebla
Mexican authorities have uncovered a clandestine cryptocurrency farm in the Sierra Norte region of Puebla state, sparking concerns about cartel funding. The operation was discovered after police noticed excessive electricity consumption and loud whirring noises coming from a ramshackle building. The facility housed 300 graphics processing units (GPUs) and eight satellite antennae, indicating it was set up to compete in the global cryptocurrency mining market.
Experts say the discovery highlights the growing sophistication of Mexican cartels, which have expanded their reach into financial crime. According to Chainalysis, illicit cryptocurrency transactions more than doubled in 2025, with addresses linked to criminal activity receiving an estimated $154 billion.
The Puebla operation is believed to be stealing electricity from a nearby hydroelectric dam, making it a significant concern for local authorities. Similar crypto farms have been uncovered in the area before, and experts warn that rising global cryptocurrency use will likely push crypto-related crime to new records in the years ahead.