Argentine tax authority breaks up a crypto mining farm

• In a “mega operation” that resulted in 40 arrests, Argentina’s tax authority dismantled an underground crypto-mining farm
• The mining farm allegedly operated out of a shed in Quilmes
• 70 raids were carried out 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, collaborated with local agencies to carry out 70 raids. It seized more than a hundred cell phones and SIM cards, cash, automobiles, firearms, computers, and various office supplies like printers, memory cards, and flash drives.

AFIP has ramped up investigations related to digital asset

The mining farm is said to have been based out of a shed in Quilmes, a municipality 12 miles southeast of Buenos Aires. Authorities investigated the alleged theft of electricity to conceal crypto mining activities 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 operations of digital assets.

In September, the agency announced that it had discovered three cryptocurrency mining websites that allegedly concealed their mining activities by not properly declaring them.

According to the AFIP, the organization has specialized divisions that are able to identify undeclared crypto farms throughout the nation 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 verify the existence of the corresponding import documentation for equipment and the correct registration of both the mining activity and income received.

Recent raids have raised concerns regarding the legality of crypto mining, despite the fact that the Argentine government’s crackdown on crypto mining appears to center 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 and of itself as long as it complies with local regulations.

Cryptocurrency mining is not an activity that in and of itself can be considered clandestine or illegal, ONG Bitcoin Argentina wrote in a blog post on September 27. Cryptocurrency mining is not a crime defined by the criminal code.

Steve Anderson is an Australian crypto enthusiast. He is a specialist in management and trading for over 5 years. Steve has worked as a crypto trader, he loves learning about decentralisation, understanding the true potential of the blockchain.

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