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Hidden crypto farm in Mexican mountains puts spotlight on cartel funding
Reuters • • world
Key Points:
- Mexican authorities uncovered a clandestine cryptocurrency mining farm in Puebla's Sierra Norte region, suspected of laundering illicit funds for organized crime groups.
- The operation, involving 300 GPUs and extensive electrical equipment, consumed vast amounts of electricity, possibly stolen from a nearby hydroelectric dam.
- This farm is the fourth such discovery in the area since early last year, highlighting drug cartels' increasing sophistication and technical expertise in financial crimes.
- Globally, illicit cryptocurrency transactions doubled in 2025, with Latin American cartels using crypto mining and transfers to launder money, often exploiting cheap or stolen electricity.
- Law enforcement agencies worldwide are improving their capabilities to combat crypto-related crime, but rising cryptocurrency adoption may drive further criminal activity in this space.
