In a recent operation by the Civil Police of the Federal District and energy company Neoenergia, three clandestine cryptocurrency mining farms were shut down in São Sebastião. These operations had been illicitly consuming electricity, which had a financial impact estimated to exceed R$ 5 million and was equivalent to the energy consumption of approximately 34,000 households per month. This crackdown resulted in the seizure of 384 mining machines that operated continuously, round the clock.

The illegal mining activities also caused instability in the local power supply, affecting residents, businesses, and agricultural producers in the area. Police have taken measures to shut down the establishments, detaining those responsible and sending them to the police station for further investigation. The Civil Police are probing into potential crimes linked to these operations, indicating a broader concern about illegal mining and its impact on public infrastructure.

This operation highlights the ongoing issue of unauthorized cryptocurrency mining in Brazil, raising questions about regulatory measures and the enforcement of laws regarding energy consumption. The disruption caused by these clandestine operations not only causes financial losses for energy providers but also risks undermining the stability of energy supply in the region, ultimately affecting everyday life for many residents and local businesses.