Argentinian tax authorities break up a crypto mining farm
- In ‘mega operation’ that resulted in 40 arrests, Argentina’s tax authorities dismantled an underground crypto mining farm
- The mining farm is said to have operated from a shed in Quilmes
- 70 raids were conducted by the authority and local agencies, resulting in the confiscation of cash, vehicles, firearms, electronics and office supplies
In a so-called “mega operation”, Argentina’s national tax authority dismantled an undeclared crypto mining farm, leading to the arrest of 40 people. This was the latest in a series of crackdowns on cryptocurrency in Argentina.
According to a statement, the tax authority, which goes by the Spanish name AFIP, has worked with local agencies to carry out 70 raids. It seized more than a hundred mobile phones and SIM cards, cash, cars, firearms, computers and various office supplies such as printers, memory cards and flash drives.
AFIP has stepped up investigations related to digital assets
The mine is said to have been based in a shed in Quilmes, a municipality 12 miles southeast of Buenos Aires. Authorities investigated the alleged theft of electricity to hide crypto-mining operations and found that the farm was operating with stolen cables.
Since Carlos Castagneto took over as director at the end of July, AFIP has increased the number of investigations it conducts into the operation of digital assets.
In September, the agency announced that it had discovered three cryptocurrency mining websites that allegedly hid their mining operations by not declaring them properly.
According to AFIP, the organization has specialized divisions capable of identifying undeclared crypto farms across the country based on high electricity levels.
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Cryptocurrency mining is not a crime defined by the Criminal Code
In a statement, AFIP stated that the agents confirm the existence of corresponding import documentation for equipment and correct registration of both the mining activity and income received.
Recent raids have raised concerns about the legality of cryptomining, despite the Argentine government’s crackdown on cryptomining appearing to focus on undeclared operations and equipment.
To be clear, the non-profit organization ONG Bitcoin Argentina has made it clear that crypto mining is not a crime in itself as long as it complies with local regulations.
Cryptocurrency mining is not an activity that in itself can be considered secret or illegal, ONG Bitcoin Argentina wrote in a September 27 blog post. Cryptocurrency mining is not a crime defined by the Criminal Code.
Steve Anderson is an Australian crypto enthusiast. He has been a specialist in management and trading for over 5 years. Steve has worked as a crypto trader, he loves learning about decentralization, understanding the true potential of the blockchain.
