Smoke Leads to Discovery of Illegal Crypto Mining Setup at Poland’s University of Wrocław

A hidden cryptocurrency mining operation was discovered in the basement of the University of Wrocław, according to police spokesman Wojciech Jabłoński, as reported by tvpworld.com.

Covert Mining Operation Sparks Investigation at the University of Wrocław

The operation was reportedly uncovered after smoke emerged from ventilation ducts at the university’s law department. Jabłoński explained that the smoke resulted from a short circuit in the mining devices, which were wirelessly connected to external systems via routers. Police responding to the scene found multiple devices consuming substantial amounts of electricity, all covertly installed and linked to the university’s electrical system.

“The smoke resulted from a short circuit in the devices, which were wirelessly linked to external systems via routers,” Jabłoński said. Cryptocurrency mining, which leverages advanced computer systems, that generate digital assets such as bitcoin (BTC), can consume significant power.

The equipment has been handed over to Poland’s Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime, which is working to identify those responsible for the illegal setup. The tvpworld.com report notes that potential charges include theft of electricity, a significant factor in the university’s financial losses.

The report explains that University spokeswoman Katarzyna Górowicz-Maćkiewicz confirmed the incident, stating it occurred in mid-October, but further financial damages have yet to be assessed. The discovery adds to a growing list of illegal mining operations worldwide. Tvpworld.com further recalled a similar case last year, when mining equipment was found in the Supreme Administrative Court in Warsaw, resulting in damages exceeding 1 million złoty ($233,000).

The investigation into the University of Wrocław incident continues, with authorities aiming to hold those involved accountable.