Luanda: The National Police Command in the province of Icolo and Bengo, led by Mateus Vasco, has announced plans to intensify efforts against illegal cryptocurrency mining activities. This initiative, in collaboration with intelligence forces, aims to discourage the practice, which has become prevalent in the region.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Icolo and Bengo have emerged as a favored location for Chinese nationals to establish cryptocurrency mining centers. In response, the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) has disrupted several attempts, seizing assets, including electricity transformer poles. The mining operations require substantial electricity, often illicitly sourced from the National Transport Network (RNT), posing risks to citizens and the state’s energy resources.
Mateus Vasco highlighted concerns about the potential for fires due to the high heat generated by the mining equipment and the financial burden on the state’s coffers. Cryptocurrency mining is illegal in Angola, and Vasco affirmed that the National Police will intensify efforts to curb these activities.
The mining centers are typically hidden, erected on land enclosed by high walls, allegedly by Chinese operators. These sites also store large quantities of unused equipment and machines. Recent police operations in the municipalities of Catete and Cabiri uncovered significant illegal activities, including the seizure of containers with energy transformation stations used for unauthorized electricity extraction.
President Joo Louren§o has condemned these illicit activities and called on the Public Ministry and justice bodies to take robust action against cryptocurrency mining and other criminal activities in Angola.