Brazilian police seize an illegal Bitcoin mining site, seize 15 ASIC miners and 3 servers

Comparatively, according to Livecoins, during a routine inspection of scrap metal theft and sales, Brazilian police discovered a hidden illegal Bitcoin mine in a waste recycling bin. Approximately 15 ASIC miners and 3 servers were seized at the scene. The total value of the equipment is estimated to be over 200,000 reais (about 39,400 thousand US dollars).

Bitcoin mining is not illegal in Brazil itself, but the devices are stealing electricity, and local electricity company Cemig estimates a monthly loss of around 6 million reais (about $1.18 million). A 37-year-old recycling bin employee was arrested on the spot for stealing and selling stolen goods without stating the origin of the equipment or providing an invoice. The police also opened a case against a 31-year-old man and woman in charge of the business. Police said they are currently tracking the flow of the mined cryptocurrency.