Mexican Police Find Fourth Clandestine Crypto Farm in Puebla Mountains

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Mexican authorities raided a concealed cryptocurrency mining operation in the Sierra Norte region of Puebla state, according to Reuters, which reported the discovery from the scene in Tlaola. It is the fourth of its kind in that area since early 2025.

Investigators suspect the operators stole electricity from a nearby hydroelectric dam and used the proceeds of mining to clean illicit funds.

Inside the building, officers found 300 graphics processing units, 80 medium-voltage terminals, and eight satellite antennae. Together those components form a system capable of competing in the global crypto-mining race that produces new bitcoin.

Mexico's federal attorney's office declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation.

What Tipped Off Police

The site was not found by a tip or surveillance footage. Abnormally high electricity consumption in a sparsely populated stretch of the mountains drew attention, as did the audible mechanical noise the equipment generated.

Power demand far exceeded what the surrounding small communities would be expected to need.

Caio Motta, Latin America specialist at blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, told Reuters that criminal groups typically choose remote sites for two reasons: either energy prices are very low, or the area falls under cartel influence, making it possible to siphon electricity without consequence.