Mexican Cartels' Crypto Mining Scheme Exposed

A clandestine crypto mining operation in Mexico's Puebla region was dismantled by authorities in September. The facility, located near the Nuevo Necaxa hydroelectric dam, was discovered to be using stolen electricity and satellite internet.

Investigators suspect that the operation is linked to organized crime groups, including the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel).

The facility contained 300 GPUs, transformers, 80 medium-voltage terminals, and eight satellite internet antennas. The operators' proximity to a major power source made it easier for them to siphon electricity without being detected.

This is the fourth clandestine crypto mining operation uncovered in Puebla since early 2025. Security analyst David Saucedo notes that such operations require significant technical expertise and substantial funding, which typically comes from well-resourced entities like organized crime groups.