Cannabis plantation and cryptocurrency 'farm' dismantled in Catalonia
The National Police have dismantled a family ‘gang’ involved in cannabis cultivation and cryptocurrency mining at various residences in the El Vendrell and La Bisbal del Penedès areas of Baix Penedès. In total nine people have been arrested, facing charges of belonging to a criminal group, illegal possession of firearms, drug trafficking, and electricity fraud.
On August 30th, an operation linked to the investigation was carried out, resulting in the arrests of those involved in the activities. These individuals held various roles within the organisation overseeing both the marijuana plantation and the cryptocurrency ‘farm’.
During the raids, a total of 1,647 plants were seized, along with a cryptocurrency mining machine valued at around 12,000 euros, and various machinery and tools used for marijuana cultivation, including fans, transformers, air conditioning units, temperature regulators, outdoor air conditioning units, LED lamps, carbon filters, and extractors. The total value of these items is estimated at around 26,000 euros.
Additionally, gold jewellery weighing nearly 200 grams with a value of over 9,000 euros was confiscated, along with a high-end vehicle valued at approximately 85,000 euros. Lastly, a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, a compressed air pistol, and several bladed weapons were found.
The initial investigations, which began in early May, were initiated following information from another law enforcement agency indicating the possible existence of an indoor cannabis plantation in the town of El Vendrell, managed by a family clan with significant organizational ties.
After verifying the information and conducting the necessary search procedures, the police located all five properties where the criminal activity was taking place. To confirm the existence of the installation, technical experts from an electrical company conducted measurements of the electrical supply to the five properties, which revealed unusually high consumption figures.
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