Police Raid Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operations in Bangkok and Pathum Thani

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

Thai police have dismantled an illegal Bitcoin mining operation spanning multiple locations in Bangkok and Pathum Thani, seizing high-value equipment and uncovering large-scale electricity theft amounting to over 11 million baht.

 

Authorities raided four properties, three abandoned units in Pathum Thani and a luxury residence in the Ram Inthra 65 area of Bangkok, where the mining operation had been set up. The illegal activities not only resulted in significant financial losses but also posed a serious fire hazard due to improper electrical connections.

 

The operation was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Thatphum Jaruprach, Commissioner of the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECS), who instructed Pol. Col. Theerapat Yangyuen, head of Sub-Division 3, to collaborate with the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division in carrying out the raid.

 

During the search, officers confiscated:

 

• 63 Bitcoin mining machines

• 3 mining control units

• 3 large electrical circuit boards

• 3 routers

• 3 network hubs

• 3 modified electricity meters

• 1 desktop computer

• 1 laptop

• 1 mobile phone

• 2 bank account books

 

The estimated total value of the seized equipment is over 2 million baht.

 

The raid followed a tip-off from residents in Khlong 6, Rangsit, Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani, who reported suspicious activities involving abandoned units. Investigations revealed that a group of investors had occupied the properties to set up illegal Bitcoin mining operations.

 

The suspects tampered with electricity meters and transformers to steal electricity, bypassing official power supply systems. They also installed cooling systems and remote monitoring equipment, allowing them to manage the operation from a distance.

 

Further investigation traced the main suspect to a luxury residence in Ram Inthra 65, Bangkok, which was used as the operation’s control centre.

 

Once sufficient evidence was gathered, police obtained search warrants and raided the targeted properties.

 

During the raid on one of the abandoned units, police witnessed illegal direct connections to the power grid. The faulty wiring posed a severe fire risk, which could have led to catastrophic damage.

 

Authorities are now gathering further evidence to prosecute those involved. The investigation will focus on identifying and apprehending the individuals responsible for orchestrating the operation and ensuring they face legal consequences.

 

This case highlights the growing issue of illegal cryptocurrency mining operations in Thailand, which not only cause massive financial losses but also endanger public safety through unregulated and hazardous electrical setups.

 

-- 2025-03-16

 

[Gottfrid]

Hopefully all these illegal mining operations will not affect the electricity price for us all. 11 million here, 6 million there and another 2-5 in a lot of other places.

[JoePai]

This 'operation' was up that pole ??

[khunPer]

Bitcoin is said to use an incredible amount of electricity to keep running – i.e., the so-called mining – and it seems that the costs are becoming that high, compared to the gain, that  fraud with electricity is necessary. I wonder what happens when even less coins are mined, if the value of Bitcoin for one-or-other reason also falls...🤔

[GreasyFingers]

Can someone tell me why bitcoin mining is illegal in itself.

[Gsxrnz]

11 minutes ago, GreasyFingers said:

Can someone tell me why bitcoin mining is illegal in itself.

 

Bitcoin mining in Thailand is legal. Probably need to register as a business, pay tax, and abide by business regulations.

 

The crime is nicking electricity.

[Classic Ray]

In the UK the biggest abstracters of electricity are cannabis farms, which need it for heat and light indoors. Here where it’s legal to grow, the bitcoin miners come top of the electricity theft league.

[expat_4_life]

On 3/16/2025 at 3:01 AM, Georgealbert said:

Police Raid Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operations in Bangkok and Pathum Thani

 

Must admit I read this as "Britcoin Mining Operation" 😂
I clicked on ii I thinking this should be good 
but turns out it just Bitcoin