Mexico Uncovers 300-Unit Crypto Farm in Remote Mountains
Police in Puebla state seized 300 graphics processing units hidden in a remote mountain forest. The operation indicates a shift toward technical financial crime by organized groups.
Mexican authorities seized 300 graphics processing units in a clandestine facility within the Sierra Norte region of Puebla. The site also contained 80 medium-voltage terminals and eight satellite antennae. This is the fourth such installation detected in the area since early last year.
The facility was identified by its high energy consumption and mechanical noise. It was located near a gravel road in a dense forest. Neighbors reported hearing the equipment hum from one kilometer away.
Energy theft lowers operational costs
Electricity is the primary expense for cryptocurrency mining. Analysts suggest the operators may have stolen power from a nearby hydroelectric dam. This would reduce the main cost of the operation to near zero.
The University of Cambridge estimates the energy cost to mint one bitcoin at nearly $45,000. With market prices around $78,000, the margin remains substantial. Eliminating energy bills through theft maximizes profit for the operators.
Global illicit crypto volumes double
Illicit cryptocurrency transactions more than doubled in 2025. Wallets linked to criminal activity received an estimated $154 billion. This figure represents a significant increase from $59 billion in the previous year.
Chainalysis attributes this rise to sanctions evasion and money laundering. Latin American criminal groups are increasingly using mining for financial crimes. The Puebla site reflects a broader trend of technical sophistication in these networks.
Remote geography aids concealment
The location offers natural cover for such infrastructure. The Sierra Norte region features dense vegetation and scattered communities. This terrain makes it difficult for law enforcement to detect unauthorized energy use.
Security analysts note that cartels are diversifying beyond traditional drug trafficking. They are entering the digital financial sector. The discovery highlights the growing intersection of organized crime and blockchain technology, as reported by GN markets/crypto (en-US).
