Brazilian police have uncovered an illegal Bitcoin mining operation, seizing 15 ASIC miners and 3 servers

Odaily reported that during a routine inspection targeting scrap metal theft and fencing, Brazilian police discovered a hidden illegal Bitcoin mining farm at a scrap recycling yard. Approximately 15 ASIC miners and 3 servers were seized on-site, with an estimated total equipment value exceeding 200,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $39,400). Bitcoin mining is not illegal in Brazil per se, but these devices were drawing electricity illegally. Local power company Cemig estimates monthly losses of around 60,000 reais (approximately $11,800). A 37-year-old recycling yard employee, unable to explain the source of the equipment or provide invoices, was arrested on-site on charges of theft and fencing. Police have also filed a case against a 31-year-old man and woman responsible for running the operation and stated that they are currently tracing the flow of the mined cryptocurrency.