When Crypto Heists Meet Airport Security: Bitcoin Miners’ Not-So-Secret Vacation

So, picture this: the Los Angeles Police Department just played superhero and recovered a whopping $2.7 million worth of Bitcoin mining machines nicked in an airport heist. Because apparently, stealing computers that dig for invisible internet money is now a thing. 🙄

On April 22, the LAPD’s Cargo Theft Unit teamed up with Port Police, Union Pacific Police (railroad-based, because that’s a thing), and Airport Police to catch the dynamic duo—Oscar David Borrero-Manchola and Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos. Sounds like the villains you’d get in a late-night crime drama, right?

These gentlemen aren’t just your run-of-the-mill kleptomaniacs; they’re “prominent members” of a South American crime ring pulling off heists and flogging stolen goods in L.A. Because why not turn stealing digital gold into a lifestyle? 👑

Turns out, a quick snoop around some storage units in the San Fernando Valley unearthed a treasure trove of $4 million in stolen loot—Bitcoin rigs, tequila, clothing (because who doesn’t need new shoes after a crime spree?), coffee, and even pet food. Must keep the getaway pets happy, I suppose. 🐾

Our two pals ended up booked at Van Nuys Jail—which sounds like a hotel for criminals—but only one stayed for the night. Borrero-Manchola got off with a slap on the wrist for receiving stolen goods, while Martinez-Ramos was apparently the less lucky one, snagged on a no-bail warrant.

The LAPD hints that this isn’t the end of the show. Expect more arrests if the plot thickens, popcorn optional.

Crypto Mining Rigs: The New Bling Bling 💎

Details are sketchy on how many rigs were snagged, but each of these machines goes for somewhere between $3,000 and $5,000—basically the cost of a fancy new TV or—well, a hefty chunk of your rent.

This isn’t the first mining rig heist in the U.S.—last July, LAPD nabbed a guy with nearly $579,000 worth of these magical coin-makers packed in a cargo van and storage unit. Because, yes, apparently criminals love a bit of variety in their stash.

For those who thought this was a new fad, back in 2017-2018 Iceland had a Bitcoin burglary bonanza when data centers were ransacked for over 600 rigs. And guess where those rigs were found? China! Just three months later, Chinese cops confiscated a matching batch in Tianjin, proving how small the world of tech crime really is.

Read More

• The Lowdown on Labubu: What to Know About the Viral Toy

• Street Fighter 6 Game-Key Card on Switch 2 is Considered to be a Digital Copy by Capcom

• We Loved Both of These Classic Sci-Fi Films (But They’re Pretty Much the Same Movie)

• Karate Kid: Legends Hits Important Global Box Office Milestone, Showing Promise Despite 59% RT Score

• Masters Toronto 2025: Everything You Need to Know

• Mario Kart World Sold More Than 780,000 Physical Copies in Japan in First Three Days

• ‘The budget card to beat right now’ — Radeon RX 9060 XT reviews are in, and it looks like a win for AMD

• Valorant Champions 2025: Paris Set to Host Esports’ Premier Event Across Two Iconic Venues

• Microsoft Has Essentially Cancelled Development of its Own Xbox Handheld – Rumour

• There is no Forza Horizon 6 this year, but Phil Spencer did tease it for the Xbox 25th anniversary in 2026

2025-04-24 05:48