(Montreal) Hydro-Quebec says it has put an end to electricity theft and fraud activities linked to cryptocurrency mining, which it suspects of having resulted in losses of nearly $ 2 million.
An investigation has enabled the company to determine that illegal cryptocurrency mining activities carried out since last spring are linked to these cases of fraud and theft of electricity.
Digital currency cryptomining is accomplished using vast spaces housing thousands of small computers designed to perform billions of attempts per second to confirm transactions, which consumes a large amount of power.
The illegal mining activities took place at three addresses in the regions of Quebec and Chaudière-Appalaches, in the borough of Beauport and in Saint-Damien-de-Buckland.
Hydro-Quebec investigators worked with those of the Sûreté du Québec, who carried out searches at two addresses last Friday.
The files will be submitted to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions, who will assess the appropriateness of laying criminal charges for fraud and theft of electricity.
Hydro-Québec claims to process nearly 400 cases related to the stealing of electricity each year.
The company also wishes to point out that tampered with installations present a high risk of electrocution and fire.