Bureau Of Meteorology Employees In Trouble With Police Over Alleged Cryptocurrency Ploy

Using the work computer


Article heading image for Bureau Of Meteorology Employees In Trouble With Police Over Alleged Cryptocurrency Ploy

Two employees at the Bureau of Meteorology are currently being investigated by the Australian Federal Police after an elaborate operation was uncovered.

It was found that the two employees were using the bureau's powerful computers to 'mine' cryptocurrencies, according to ABC News.

A search warrant was executed at the bureau's Collins Street headquarters in Melbourne last Wednesday.

Two IT technicians were spoken to by the AFP.

One of the employees is believed to have gone on leave.

No charges have been laid, and the investigation is ongoing.

Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are made by computers which are tasked with solving complicated formulas, known as 'mining'. 

Over time, more power is required to be harnessed to mine.

This creates a big dent on the electricity bill, which may be why the task was allegedly undertaken on the bureau's computers.

 

8 March 2018




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