Carlos Fernandes Welcome to the Latin American Update, your reliable source for the most pertinent economic and cryptocurrency-related news across Latin America for the past week. This edition features the unearthing of a Bitcoin mining facility in a Venezuelan correctional institution, progression of a Brazilian bill aimed at shielding cryptocurrencies from being seized, and the Chilean law enforcement’s discovery of a Bitcoin mining setup during a narcotics operation.
Table Of Contents
Bitcoin Mining Operation Uncovered in Venezuelan Correctional Facility
During a comprehensive search operation at the Tocoron prison center in Venezuela’s Aragua state, a Bitcoin mining facility was disassembled. The large-scale operation, involving over 11,000 law enforcement officers, led to the discovery of an undefined number of Bitcoin mining machines in a makeshift facility. The clandestine mining operation is suspected to have been run by a criminal group known as “Aragua’s Train,” which reportedly had control over the national penitentiary.
In addition to the mining setup, the search operation also yielded narcotics, firearms, ammunition, C4 explosives, and an array of unconventional items including a nightclub for hosting events, a swimming pool, a baseball stadium, and even a zoological park.
Official statements regarding the duration of the mining facility’s operation within the prison, or whether the proceeds of the mining activities were confiscated, have yet to be released. However, subsequent to the operation, the Tocoron prison will be decommissioned and its 1,600 inmates will be relocated to other correctional facilities in Venezuela.
Legislative Move in Brazil to Safeguard Cryptocurrency from Confiscation
In Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies, a bill designed to protect digital assets from being seized by creditors is making legislative progress. Originally aimed at preventing the seizure of wages, pensions, and savings accounts up to a limit of 40 minimum wages, the bill was amended by Deputy Fernando Marangoni to extend its coverage to include cryptocurrencies.
The most recent amendment, however, uses the terminology “digital assets” rather than specifically mentioning “cryptocurrency.” This proposed legislation is pending further scrutiny by the Constitution, Justice, and Citizenship Commission of the Chamber of Deputies.
Discovery of Bitcoin Mining Setup in Chilean Narcotics Operation
During a drug bust called Operation “Lucerna” in the southern region of Santiago, the Chilean Intelligence Police discovered a Bitcoin mining setup in addition to 36 kilograms of cannabis, ecstasy, and ketamine pills. Out of a total of 19 Bitcoin mining machines present, only 10 were operational.
Eduardo Gatica, the Chief of the Anti-Narcotics Brigade, emphasized that this was the first incident in the country where drug trafficking was found to be directly linked to cryptocurrency mining. According to Gatica, this form of mining enabled criminal organizations to launder ill-gotten gains, thereby converting illicit funds into legally fungible assets ready for market circulation.
To stay abreast of all the latest developments in the Latin American economic and cryptocurrency landscape, we invite you to subscribe to our Latin American Update newsletter below.
Latin American Update Newsletter
A summary of the week’s most significant cryptocurrency news
Subscribe
We welcome your thoughts on this week’s Latin American Update report. Please share your views in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Latin American Cryptocurrency News
What are the main topics covered in this week’s Latin American Update?
The main topics covered in this week’s Latin American Update include the discovery of a Bitcoin mining operation in a Venezuelan correctional facility, the advancement of a Brazilian bill aimed at protecting digital assets from confiscation, and the discovery of a Bitcoin mining setup during a drug raid in Chile.
Where was the Bitcoin mining operation discovered in Venezuela?
The Bitcoin mining operation was discovered in the Tocoron prison center located in Venezuela’s Aragua state. The operation was dismantled during a large-scale raid involving over 11,000 law enforcement officers.
The Brazilian bill is currently making legislative progress in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies. Initially aimed at preventing the seizure of wages, pensions, and savings accounts, it was amended to include the protection of digital assets. The bill is pending further review by the Constitution, Justice, and Citizenship Commission of the Chamber of Deputies.
What was found during the Chilean drug operation called “Lucerna”?
During Operation “Lucerna” in southern Santiago, Chile, the Intelligence Police discovered 36 kilograms of cannabis, ecstasy, and ketamine pills. Additionally, they found a room with 19 Bitcoin mining machines, of which only 10 were operational.
Is this the first time cryptocurrency has been linked to drug trafficking in Chile?
Yes, according to Eduardo Gatica, the Chief of the Anti-Narcotics Brigade in Chile, this is the first instance where drug trafficking has been directly linked to cryptocurrency mining in the country.
How can I stay updated with future developments in the Latin American economic and cryptocurrency landscape?
To stay updated with all the latest developments, you are invited to subscribe to the Latin American Update newsletter, which provides a summary of the week’s most significant economic and cryptocurrency news in the region.
What kind of audience is the Latin American Update targeted at?
The Latin American Update is intended for individuals interested in cryptocurrency, economics, law enforcement, and legislative changes, particularly in the Latin American context. It is designed to be a comprehensive source for pertinent news in these areas.
More about Latin American Cryptocurrency News
- Bitcoin Mining Farm in Venezuelan Jail
- Brazilian Bill Protecting Digital Assets
- Chilean Drug Raid Uncovers Bitcoin Mining Setup
- Subscribe to Latin American Update Newsletter
2 comments
Brazil bill goin’ strong but term “digital assets” feels fishy, why not just say “crypto”? Still, keepin’ an eye on it!
wow, this Latin American update got all the hot crypto goss in one place, epic raid in Venezuela, crypto law in Brazil, and drug bust with miners in Chile, lit stuff yo!