Big bitcoin heist bared

SOME 600 computers used to “mine” bitcoin and other virtual currencies were stolen from data centres in Iceland in what police say is the biggest series of thefts ever in the North Atlantic nation.

Eleven people were arrested as part of what’s been dubbed the “Big Bitcoin Heist”.

Two people remain in custody. The powerful computers are worth almost $2 million.

But if the stolen equipment is used for its original purpose – to create bitcoins – the thieves could turn a massive profit in an untraceable currency without ever selling the items.