Angolan authorities dismantled a clandestine cryptocurrency mining facility in Luanda, equipped with nearly 3,000 processors, which reportedly generated around $3,000 (€2,555) per day, the Criminal Investigation Service announced.
As part of the operation, carried out on Tuesday, February 17, the Serviço de Investigação Criminal (SIC) reported that 10 people were arrested, two of Chinese nationality and the remaining Angolan.
In a press release, the SIC described the existence of a large clandestine site that was being equipped for illicit cryptocurrency mining activity (virtual currencies), with technological infrastructure including more than 2,000 processors specifically designed for mining and a high-capacity transformer station connected to the public electricity grid.
Speaking to the press, the SIC spokesperson, Manuel Halaiwa, said the location chosen for the illegal activity “was carefully selected,” emphasizing that the site was advantageous because it had electricity connected to the public grid.
“And also because it is a hidden place, where no one has access. To enter here, we have to pass through two gates with armed guards,” he added. Manuel Halaiwa also highlighted that, in addition to the processors, cables, fans, circuit boards, and five vehicles used to transport the equipment were seized.
“If all this material had been installed and operating, we are talking about individuals making profits exceeding $3,000 per day, or above $90,000 to $100,000 per month,” he said.
This is the second case disclosed by the SIC this year, following the dismantling of another clandestine cryptocurrency mining center with more than 1,500 processors, concealed inside a factory operating with two transformer stations connected to the public electricity grid, in the municipality of Viana.
In that operation, four Angolan nationals were arrested, responsible for managing the infrastructure led by Chinese citizens.
Cryptocurrency mining has been banned in Angola under a law introduced in 2024, aimed at protecting the country’s financial system and energy security.
Source: Lusa
