Suspected Drug Cartel Cryptocurrency Mining Farm Discovered in Mexican Mountains, Possibly Used for Money Laundering Through Mining

According to Reuters, Mexican police discovered a clandestine cryptocurrency mining operation in the mountainous regions of Puebla state, seizing 300 GPUs, 80 medium-voltage power terminals, and eight satellite dishes. Four similar operations have been uncovered in the area since early last year. Authorities are investigating whether the site illicitly siphoned electricity from a nearby hydroelectric plant. Security analysts noted that the technical expertise and funding required for the facility point to the involvement of well-capitalized criminal syndicates. A Chainalysis Latin America expert stated that regional drug trafficking organizations are increasingly utilizing cryptocurrency transfers and mining operations for money laundering. Data shows that globally, crypto addresses associated with criminal activity received approximately $154 billion in 2025, more than double the $59 billion recorded in the previous year.