Puebla Authorities Bust Crypto Mining Farm Amid Rising Electricity Theft Concerns
Mexico is investigating electricity theft after authorities busted a large-scale cryptocurrency mining farm in Puebla. The operation, which used over 300 computers to mine digital assets, was located in a remote area near a federal hydroelectric complex. Francisco Sánchez, head of the state agency, said that the main crime under investigation is energy theft, and that authorities will expand their inquiries to neighboring municipalities in search of similar facilities.
The mining farm was consuming a significant amount of energy and generating noise, which alerted authorities to its presence. The operation also had a large-scale electrical and technological infrastructure, including transformers, medium-voltage terminals, and functioning satellite internet antennas. Investigators are analyzing whether virtual assets generated by this infrastructure could have been used for money laundering.
The discovery comes as the Mexican Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) steps up enforcement efforts to combat losses from power theft. Between January and July 2024, authorities recorded 6,346 GWh in losses linked to electricity theft, meter tampering, and illegal connections, with an estimated commercial value of 13.8 billion pesos ($817 million). The use of cryptocurrencies for money laundering has been on the rise, particularly through currencies such as Bitcoin, Monero, and Tether (USDT), which saw a 55.8% increase in 2025.
The investigation is being carried out by Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), Mexico's Attorney General's Office (FGR), and the Navy, with participation from state authorities. The operation is part of increased scrutiny of cryptocurrencies as a tool for laundering proceeds of organized crime.