Mexican authorities seize cartel crypto farm with 300 GPUs in Puebla mountains

Clandestine Crypto Farm Discovered

Local Mexican police, federal authorities, and the Navy uncovered a clandestine cryptocurrency mining farm in Tlaola, a town in Puebla's Sierra Norte region. The operation included 300 GPUs, electricity infrastructure, and satellite equipment. The facility likely drew power by tapping into the grid near the Presa de Necaxa hydroelectric dam.

Increasing Cartel Involvement in Crypto

This seizure marks the fourth crypto farm Mexican authorities have found in this region since early last year. According to a security analyst, these discoveries indicate increasing sophistication in cartel operations. The latest bust included 300 GPUs, 80 medium-voltage terminations, a transformer, and eight satellite antennas.

Crypto for Money Laundering and Income

Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis reports that illicit crypto transactions grew from $59 billion in 2024 to $154 billion last year, with a surge linked to sanctions evasion. In South America, cartels are increasingly using this channel for money laundering. Mining operations are integrated into this scheme, with organized crime often stealing electricity for power-intensive activities.

Detection Challenges and Local Impact

The method authorities used to find the farm was not specified, but locals in neighboring communities reported hearing noise from the transformers and cooling systems from a kilometer away. The facility was located approximately 2 km from the nearest village. The other three recently discovered crypto farms were also near the same hydroelectric dam. The noise and power consumption of such operations are noticeable in small communities like Tlaola, which has around 20,000 inhabitants.