Puebla Authorities Seize 300 GPUs Amid Electricity Theft Concerns

Mexican authorities have made a significant seizure of crypto-mining equipment in the state of Puebla, underscoring growing concerns over electricity theft and organized crime. On September 13, 2026, authorities confiscated over 300 graphics processing units (GPUs) from a suspected illicit cryptocurrency mining operation near a hydroelectric dam.

The site, located in the mountainous Sierra Norte region of Puebla, is the fourth such discovery in the area since early 2025. Investigators are examining whether electricity was stolen from the nearby hydroelectric facility to power the mining operation.

Crypto-mining itself is not evidence of criminal activity; however, large-scale operations require substantial electricity, making access to inexpensive or illicitly obtained power a significant consideration for operators seeking to reduce costs.