Los Angeles police recently arrested Bryan Thola, a 26-year-old man from Canyon Country, on suspicion of possessing $579,000 in stolen bitcoin mining computers. Thola was released from a Van Nuys jail on his own recognizance early Friday morning. He faces charges of possessing stolen property, a felony.
Police discovered numerous computer towers in Thola’s cargo van and a public storage unit. Bitcoin mining computers are specialized devices used to create new units of cryptocurrency by solving complex mathematical puzzles. The more computers you have, the quicker you can generate more bitcoin. Bitcoin miners ensure each transaction is verified within minutes and made public, according to Fidelity Investments.
LAPD Lt. Michael McComas stated that the investigation is ongoing, and no further details about the case or the stolen computers can be released at this time. Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division at (213) 486-5920.
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