The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced on Tuesday the arrest of a 27-year-old Canyon Country man suspected of stealing Bitcoin mining computers valued at approximately $579,000.
The suspect, Bryan Thola was taken into custody last Thursday after authorities discovered the allegedly stolen equipment in his cargo van and a public storage unit.
According to the LAPD news release, Thola was booked into the Van Nuys Jail and released on his own recognizance the following day.
The seized computers are devices used in the Bitcoin mining process, which involves verifying transactions and recording them on the cryptocurrency’s blockchain.
However, LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division is leading the ongoing investigation. The department has not disclosed how they initially became aware of the stolen equipment.
Authorities have released photographs showing the recovered computers stacked inside a van and storage unit.
The LAPD is requesting public assistance in the case. Urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Commercial Crimes Division or use anonymous reporting options such as LA Crime Stoppers.
