Chinese school principal expelled from Communist Party for mining in the workplace

Two representatives of the administration of a Chinese school were caught stealing electricity from their workplace for Ethereum mining.

Principal Lei Hua and his deputy for academic affairs at a high school in the city of Puman (Hunan Province) decided to make money from mining at the expense of a government institution. An enterprising director started his mining business at home, but was unpleasantly surprised by his electricity bills. To reduce production costs, the entrepreneur moved nine computers to the school premises.

As a result of connecting to the school electrical network, electricity consumption doubled from July to November, amid a significant slowdown in the school Internet network. In addition, the installed equipment made a characteristic noise, even on weekends and holidays, which could not be associated with the educational process and, ultimately, attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies.

As a result of the investigation, the educational institution suffered losses in the amount of $2,163, which they initially tried to write off on the use of air conditioners and student computer equipment. The organizer of the mini-mining farm was dismissed from his position and expelled from the ranks of the Chinese Communist Party. 

His deputy, Wang Ziping, escaped with a slight fright and received only a reprimand from his party comrades.