Mexico Dismantles Illicit Crypto Mining Farm Linked to Power Theft

Authorities in Mexico have dismantled an illicit cryptocurrency mining farm near a hydroelectric power plant in Puebla. The operation, which was linked to electricity theft, involved around 300 specialized computing devices and other equipment.

The facility was discovered in the municipality of Tlaola, where it was illegally drawing electricity from a federal hydroelectric system. Francisco Sanchez, head of Puebla's public security service, stated that the primary focus of the investigation is the theft of electricity.

According to El Pais, citing regional authorities, the high load and noise from mining equipment make such operations detectable even in remote areas. The investigation involves multiple agencies, including Mexico's Electricity Commission, the Attorney General's Office, and the country's Navy.

The authorities are also expanding their search to neighboring municipalities for similar operations. In 2025, three illegal mining centers were dismantled in Puebla and the neighboring state of Tlaxcala.