Crypto and Carcasses: Undercover Sting Recovers $700K in Bitcoin Miners, Foils $75K Frozen Turkey Heist

An operation led by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office successfully recovered 1,000 stolen bitcoin mining rigs worth $700,000 and thwarted an attempted $75,000 frozen turkey heist.

Tracing the Cargo from Grant County to Chicago

A multi-agency investigation led by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office successfully recovered a hijacked shipment of 1,000 Bitcoin mining rigs valued at approximately $700,000. The operation also foiled the attempted theft of frozen turkeys valued at $75,000.

According to a media statement, the initial report of the cargo theft was filed on Oct. 2 by Your Choice Ever Best, a bitcoin mining company in Grant County. The company reported that a semi-trailer loaded with the rigs had been hijacked. Sheriff’s Office detectives who conducted the investigation traced the stolen cargo to the Chicago area.

The Grant County detectives subsequently carried out the undercover operation, which led to the recovery of the devices last week, in conjunction with the Joint Effort Against Narcotics (JEAN) Team, Drug Task Force (DTF), Sheriff and Marion Police (Indiana) detectives, along with the Chicago Police Department. All 1,000 stolen machines were recovered.

Unexpected Poultry Payoff

Sheriff Del Garcia praised the combined effort, acknowledging the “dedication and aggressive detective work” that resulted in the successful recovery.

“Sheriff Del Garcia acknowledges the dedication and aggressive detective work utilized in this investigation, resulting in the successful operation and recovery of this cargo,” the Sheriff said. “The investigation is ongoing, and at this time, no arrest has been made as this also involves international criminal participants.”

Meanwhile, authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to the theft or other criminal activity to contact the Grant County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement agency.

FAQ 💡

• What was stolen in the hijacking? 1,000 Bitcoin mining rigs valued at approximately $700,000 were stolen from a Grant County company.
• How was the stolen cargo recovered? A multi-agency investigation led by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office traced the cargo to the Chicago area, resulting in a successful undercover operation.
• Were any arrests made in this case? No arrests have been made yet, as the investigation continues and involves international criminal participants.
• What should I do if I have information related to the theft? You can contact the Grant County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency with any tips or information.