Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has expanded its investigation into illegal cryptocurrency mining operations, uncovering alleged links to grey Chinese capital networks, transnational money laundering and financial flows exceeding 10 billion baht per year. The widening probe highlights concerns over the scale of organised criminal activity linked to digital asset operations and their impact on Thailand’s economic security. Get today's headlines by email The investigation follows action taken in 2025 by the DSI’s Technology and Cyber Crime Bureau, which dismantled three major networks accused of illegally using electricity for cryptocurrency mining. Authorities seized more than 6,390 mining machines and estimated losses to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) at more than 953 million baht. Officials described the case as one of the highest-value instances of illegal use of state utilities in recent years. Investigators also found evidence allegedly linking some state officials to assisting or facilitating the operations. The DSI has already forwarded two case files to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), involving seven electricity authority officials, one law enforcement officer, and 13 investors or alleged accomplices. As the investigation expanded, authorities began examining Chinese investment groups believed to play a significant role in managing a large financial network in Thailand. Investigators uncovered information and evidence allegedly connected to money laundering from technology-related crimes, including call centre scams and transnational online gambling operations. Analysis of financial records revealed unusually high levels of activity in bank accounts and corporate entities linked to the network. Investigators found that Myanmar nationals were allegedly used to withdraw cash from Thai financial institutions at a rate of approximately 30 million to 50 million baht per day. The network’s annual financial transactions were estimated at no less than 10 billion baht, indicating a complex structure capable of moving large volumes of assets. The DSI also received information from US law enforcement agencies identifying Wang Yicheng as a suspect in a major digital asset fraud case. The US Secret Service seized digital assets linked to Wang worth more than US$17.8 million, in connection with losses exceeding 2 billion baht. Authorities have issued arrest warrants for eight suspects, comprising four Chinese financiers and four Myanmar team members. The DSI is also seeking approval for seven additional arrest warrants and has summoned five other individuals to acknowledge charges. The Nation reported that the department said it will accelerate evidence gathering before submitting the completed case file to special case prosecutors. Investigators stated that illegal electricity use for cryptocurrency mining is not merely theft of power but also a mechanism used by transnational criminal organisations to generate income, launder money and support technology-related crime networks. Picture courtesy of The Nation Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 22 June 2026
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