Los Angeles authorities have successfully recovered Bitcoin mining machines valued at $2.7 million, stolen during a major theft at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced on April 22 the arrest of two individuals allegedly linked to a South American crime ring responsible for the theft and resale of stolen merchandise across the Los Angeles region.

Oscar David Borrero-Manchola and Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos were identified as key suspects in this high-profile case. Both men were apprehended by detectives from LAPD’s Cargo Theft Unit in cooperation with Los Angeles Port Police, Union Pacific Railroad Police, and Airport Police. Authorities conducted thorough searches at storage facilities located in the San Fernando Valley, where they recovered a total of $4 million in stolen goods.

The recovered items included Bitcoin mining rigs initially destined for Hong Kong. In addition to these crypto mining machines, authorities confiscated over $1.2 million in other stolen products such as tequila, clothing, footwear, speakers, coffee, body wash, and pet food.

Borrero-Manchola was booked for receiving stolen goods but was subsequently released after receiving a citation. Martinez-Ramos, however, remains in custody due to a no-bail warrant issued against him.

Authorities continue investigating the incident and have suggested more arrests could occur soon. Although specifics regarding the exact number or type of mining rigs seized have not been disclosed, individual mining rigs usually cost between $3,000 and $5,000 each.

This recent event highlights the increasing trend of theft targeting cryptocurrency mining equipment. Similar cases have occurred globally, including a notable incident in Iceland during 2017-2018, where thieves stole over 600 Bitcoin miners. The equipment was later recovered by Chinese authorities in Tianjin.