Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operation

[webfact]

 

On October 9, Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI) raided an illegal Bitcoin mining operation in Tha Muang, Kanchanaburi.

 

Led by Deputy DSI Chief Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana Praedam, the team seized 300 mining rigs used in the unauthorized setup, which reportedly caused annual losses of over 100 million baht to the government due to electricity theft.

 

The raid followed complaints from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in Central Region 3, which reported suspiciously low electricity bills at several properties. Upon investigation, authorities found that the network had leased 13 commercial buildings in Kanchanaburi, where they illegally diverted power for Bitcoin mining.

The miners employed electronic devices to tamper with electricity meters, reducing reported usage to just a fraction of actual consumption. For instance, in one location, the miners paid only 100 to 400 baht monthly in electricity bills, while their power use was estimated at over 150,000 baht.

 

Authorities detained Kritsada (last name withheld), who admitted to overseeing the operation. He is now in police custody and faces charges under various criminal codes, including theft. Additionally, Pol. Lt. Col. Yutthana highlighted the economic impact of such operations, which not only deprive the state of revenue but also exploit other electricity consumers.

 

The DSI urges local residents to report suspicious activities to the police, as investigations continue. Should any PEA employees be implicated, the DSI vows to take appropriate legal action. This crackdown marks a significant step toward curbing the economic damage caused by illegal mining activities in Thailand, reported Daily News.

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

-- 2024-10-10

 

[Gottfrid]

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Edited October 10 by Gottfrid
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[Nickcage49]

Pretty smart if you ask me.

[wombat]

stealing power is a big no no

[NativeBob]

So they were arrested either for illegal mining (which is not illegal) or electricity theft/fraud. Anyone can mine whatever he fancies. 

[rickudon]

Electronic devices to tamper with electricity meters - i wonder how that works?

[NativeBob]

8 minutes ago, rickudon said:

Electronic devices to tamper with electricity meters - i wonder how that works?

those devices were available in China Town for almost decade. I think about 800 thb. Yes it slows the meter.  MEA guys are very angry: they see the consumption of [say] moo-ban and actual bills. Its dangerous business and the judge will be furious.