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South American Theft Ring Steals Bitcoin Mining Computers Worth Millions
According to it boltwise, the Los Angeles police have uncovered a South American theft ring specializing in the theft of high-value goods, including Bitcoin mining computers. The investigation led to the recovery of stolen Bitcoin mining computers valued at $2.7 million, which were intended to be shipped to Hong Kong. The suspects, Oscar David Borrero-Manchola and Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos, were arrested on suspicion of organizing and executing these thefts.
The stolen goods were found in warehouses in the San Fernando Valley, alongside other valuable items such as speakers and clothing. The thefts are part of a broader trend where international gangs use modern technology and methods to bypass security measures. For example, a Wi-Fi jammer was used during a police chase to disable surveillance cameras. The Los Angeles police, in cooperation with other agencies such as the Los Angeles Port Police and the Union Pacific Police Department, played a crucial role in the success of this operation. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected.
- Value of stolen Bitcoin mining computers: $2.7 million
- Key suspects arrested: Oscar David Borrero-Manchola, Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos
- Modern technology used: Wi-Fi jammer to disable cameras
Summary: The Los Angeles police have made significant progress in combating international theft rings, recovering Bitcoin mining computers worth $2.7 million and arresting key suspects. The case highlights the growing risks associated with the increasing value and digitization of cryptocurrency mining equipment. (Source: it boltwise)
Riot Platforms Secures $100 Million Bitcoin-Backed Loan from Coinbase
As reported by it boltwise, Riot Platforms, a leading cryptocurrency mining company, has secured a $100 million loan from Coinbase, backed by its substantial Bitcoin holdings. This marks the company's first Bitcoin-backed loan, as confirmed by CEO Jason Les on April 23. The loan is intended to finance general corporate operations and support strategic growth initiatives. The credit line is set for one year, with the option to extend for another year, and carries an annual interest rate of at least 9%, based on the current upper limit of the Federal Funds Rate plus 4.5%.
Riot Platforms' Bitcoin reserves, which secure the loan, are the third-largest corporate Bitcoin treasury, totaling 19,223 BTC, valued at approximately $1.8 billion at current prices. In December, the company acquired $500 million worth of Bitcoin and plans to raise an additional $500 million through a private bond offering to fund further BTC purchases. On April 23, Riot Platforms' shares, traded on Nasdaq under the ticker RIOT, rose by more than 8%, reflecting a broader rally among Bitcoin miners and the stock market. Despite this, the stock has declined by 24.6% since the beginning of the year, impacted by the global trade war and falling cryptocurrency prices. Bitcoin is currently trading at around $93,000, down about 15% from its post-inauguration high under President Donald Trump. During the same period, RIOT shares have fallen by more than 40%.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Loan Amount | $100 million |
| Bitcoin Holdings | 19,223 BTC (~$1.8 billion) |
| Annual Interest Rate | At least 9% |
| 2024 Revenue | $376.7 million |
| 2024 Net Profit | $109.4 million |
| RIOT Share Price Change (YTD) | -24.6% |
| Bitcoin Price | ~$93,000 |
Summary: Riot Platforms has secured a $100 million Bitcoin-backed loan from Coinbase to support its expansion and operations, leveraging its significant Bitcoin reserves. Despite recent stock volatility, the company reported record revenue and profit for 2024. (Source: it boltwise)
Iris Energy Stock Jumps 10% Amid Capacity Expansion
Börse Express reports that the stock of Bitcoin miner Iris Energy surged by 9.98% to close at $6.06, with trading volume significantly above average at 23 million shares. The company is aggressively expanding its mining capacity, which reached 37 EH/s and is expected to grow to 50 EH/s by mid-2025. Additionally, its data center capacity has been increased to 660 MW. The company's cloud services for AI applications are also experiencing dynamic growth due to new customer acquisitions.
Despite a recent 35% drop in share price, Iris Energy posted strong quarterly results, with revenue of $113 million. The focus on renewable energy is paying off, as Bitcoin mining revenues soared by 129% thanks to increased hashrate. Analysts remain divided on the stock, with some recommending holding and others suggesting buying.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Share Price Increase | +9.98% (to $6.06) |
| Trading Volume | 23 million shares |
| Mining Capacity | 37 EH/s (target: 50 EH/s by mid-2025) |
| Data Center Capacity | 660 MW |
| Quarterly Revenue | $113 million |
| Bitcoin Mining Revenue Growth | +129% |
| Recent Share Price Drop | -35% |
Summary: Iris Energy's stock experienced a nearly 10% jump amid strong expansion in mining and data center capacity, robust revenue growth, and a focus on renewable energy. Despite recent volatility, the company continues to deliver solid financial results. (Source: Börse Express)
Sources:
- Russland könnte Bitcoin-Mining-Beschränkungen auf weitere Regionen ausweiten
- Südamerikanische Diebesbande stiehlt Bitcoin-Mining-Computer im Wert von Millionen
- Kuwait warnt vor illegalem Kryptowährungs-Mining
- Riot Platforms sichert sich Bitcoin-gestützten Kredit von Coinbase
- Bitcoin-Kurs aktuell: BTC steigt über 93.000-Dollar-Marke
- Iris Energy Aktie: Kräftiger Sprung um 10 Prozent
