Illegal crypto mining suspected of causing rolling blackouts in major city: 'They [spread out] to avoid being detected'

According to the Associated Press, cryptocurrency mining is being blamed for homes and businesses in Tehran being unable to access power.

While Iran is having energy problems, with fuel reserves low and supplies being sold off, an increase in blackouts came around the same time the value of cryptocurrency soared following Donald Trump's presidential victory.

Cryptocurrency mining is an energy-intensive activity because of the power needed to run specialized computer systems and keep them cool.

In low-income areas in Iran, electricity is provided for free, including for mosques and schools. It's suspected that miners are taking advantage of this subsidized power to run cryptocurrency mining hubs.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/illegal-crypto-mining-suspected-of-causing-rolling-blackouts-in-major-city-they-spread-out-to-avoid-being-detected/ar-AA1wkDPb