Brazilian police seized an illegal Bitcoin mining operation, confiscating 15 ASIC miners and 3 servers

According to Livecoins, Brazilian police discovered a hidden illegal Bitcoin mining operation at a recycling station during a routine inspection targeting the theft and sale of scrap metal. Approximately 15 ASIC miners and 3 servers were seized on-site, with the total value of the equipment estimated to exceed 200,000 reais (about 39,400 USD).

Bitcoin mining is not illegal in Brazil itself, but these devices were illegally tapping into electricity, with local power company Cemig estimating a monthly loss of about 60,000 reais (about 11,800 USD). A 37-year-old employee of the recycling station was unable to explain the source of the equipment and did not provide an invoice, leading to his arrest on charges of theft and trafficking. The police have also filed cases against a 31-year-old man and woman responsible for the business.

The police stated that they are currently investigating the flow of the mined cryptocurrency.