A cryptocurrency mining operation was uncovered in the basement of a University of Wrocław building. "Following a report of smoke in the ventilation ducts, computer equipment was found connected to the building's electrical system," the police said.
The discovery of the illegal mining operation took place on October 14 at the University of Wrocław. According to Gazeta Wyborcza, the operation was located in the basement of one of the Faculty of Law buildings.
The university spokesperson confirmed the incident but did not provide further details. "I can only confirm that this incident occurred in mid-October. The investigation is being conducted by the police," said Katarzyna Górowicz-Maćkiewicz.
Smoke caused by a short circuit
"Police officers conducted their investigation in the basement premises of University of Wrocław buildings, where, following a report of smoke in the ventilation ducts, computer equipment was found connected to the existing electrical system," Wojciech Jabłoński, spokesperson for the Wrocław police, told tvn24.pl.
The devices, known as cryptocurrency "miners," were wirelessly connected to external equipment via routers. "The smoke was caused by a short circuit in these devices," Jabłoński added.
The police secured the equipment and handed it over to the Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime, which is working to identify the individuals responsible for installing the "miners."
Electricity theft
"It should be noted that this installation consumed a significant amount of electricity, so its owner will also face charges for electricity theft," Jabłoński said.
The financial losses incurred by the university remain unknown.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, tvn24.pl
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: tvn24.pl/ tam