Thai Authorities Bust Major Illegal Bitcoin Mining Ring

Thai authorities have cracked down on illegal Bitcoin mining operations in Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi provinces. The Technology Crime Suppression Division and Provincial Electricity Authority raided two locations, uncovering hundreds of Bitcoin mining machines and evidence of meter tampering. Two caretakers were arrested and claimed they were legally importing the machines for sale.

Thai Authorities Uncover Large-Scale Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operations

Thailand's Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) have collaborated in a joint operation that uncovered illegal Bitcoin mining facilities in the provinces of Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi.

In a raid conducted on Friday, authorities descended upon a vegetarian shelter in Samut Sakhon's Ban Paew district, where they seized 187 Bitcoin mining machines. Investigation revealed evidence of electricity meter manipulation, indicating deliberate under-reporting of power consumption. The shelter's caretaker, identified as Sombat Tangnava, was apprehended on charges related to the operation.

Simultaneously, officials raided a warehouse in Ratchaburi's Muang district, where they discovered 465 Bitcoin mining machines and similar evidence of meter tampering. Kiatkong Tumthong, the caretaker of the warehouse, was also arrested and taken into custody.

Both detainees maintained that the Bitcoin mining machines were legally imported from China and were intended for sale to individuals seeking to invest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Binance Coin, and Dogecoin. They further stated that each investor was charged 6,200 baht per month for hosting the machines in their facilities, along with an additional 9,000 baht for electricity consumption.

The authorities are investigating the extent of the illegal operations and the potential involvement of other individuals or entities. They caution that unauthorized Bitcoin mining can impose significant strain on power grids and contribute to energy shortages.

The TCSD and PEA emphasize that illegal Bitcoin mining activities will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face legal consequences. They urge the public to report any suspected illegal operations to the appropriate authorities.

Meanwhile, the raid has sparked discussions about the regulatory framework governing Bitcoin mining in Thailand and the need for measures to ensure responsible and sustainable practices in the emerging crypto-asset sector.