The Venezuelan armed forces have seized 35 Bitcoin mining machines to combat illegal operations in the country.
On September 8, the Venezuelan army announced that it had seized 35 Bitcoin miners in an operation conducted in the state of Guárico, as part of a campaign against illegal mining activities. According to the Strategic Operational Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (CEOFANB), the soldiers confiscated not only the miners but also 30 “extractors” and powerful electric fans.
Strategic Operational Commander Domingo Hernández Lárez stated that the operation lacked the necessary permits and licenses to conduct mining activities in the country. Venezuela requires registration for mining activities, cryptocurrency exchanges, and digital asset services.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with officials from the Public Ministry, who searched a house located in the El Mirador district of the Juan Germán Roscio Nieves municipality. During the search, two vehicles were also seized.
Government policy on mining
According to the Venezuelan government, many mining activities use illegal connections to the National Electric System (SEN), contributing to the country’s frequent blackouts. The Ministry of Electric Energy has stated that combating illegal operations would help reduce pressure on the electrical grid, allowing for more efficient and reliable service for Venezuelan citizens.
