Cryptocurrency has become increasingly popular over the past decade, but it can be difficult to maintain and manage a secure crypto mining setup. Unfortunately, a Massachusetts man recently learned this lesson the hard way when he was caught illegally mining crypto in the crawl space of a local high school.
Nadeam Nahas, 39, was a teacher at Cohasset High School when a facilities inspector visited the school and noticed an unusual electrical setup in one of the rooms. After an investigation by the Cohasset Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, it was determined that Nahas had set up a cryptocurrency mining operation in the crawl space under the school.
To mine cryptocurrency, specialized computer processors are used which require a large amount of electricity to operate efficiently. Unfortunately, Nahas was using taxpayer money to power his operation, causing the town to lose money. Additionally, the setup could have caused a fire or other damage if it had been left unchecked.
Nahas resigned from his position when the investigation began, and was later charged with fraudulent use of electricity and school vandalism. He was scheduled to appear in Quincy District court for his arraignment, but failed to show up and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Cryptocurrency mining can be a profitable venture, but it is important to remember that it is illegal to carry out such operations without permission. Mining cryptocurrency in a public space, such as a school, can not only be dangerous, but it can also lead to legal consequences. As such, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding crypto mining before embarking on any mining operation.
