- Authorities have uncovered a massive Bitcoin mining scheme in Thailand, with nearly 1,000 machines seized.
- The operation put pressure on Thailand’s power grid, echoing global concerns about the energy impact of crypto mining.
A Bitcoin [BTC] The mining operation in Chonburi, Thailand, has been shut down after authorities uncovered a massive electricity theft scheme. Nearly 1,000 mining machines were seized in the raid, underscoring the scale of the illegal activity.
The operation siphoned electricity at staggering levels, raising concerns about the strain on Thailand’s power grid and the broader implications of the growing crypto ecosystem.
Thailand: authorities discover large-scale electricity theft
Thailand’s Crime Suppression Division (CSD) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) have uncovered an illegal Bitcoin mining operation in Chonburi.
Authorities raided the Phanat Nikhom site after finding evidence that the facility had tampered with its energy meter to steal electricity.
The theft reportedly occurred mainly at night to avoid detection, while the power meter functioned normally during the day. This strategic exploit allowed the operation to mine Bitcoin without significant electricity costs.
Authorities accused those involved of stealing large amounts of electricity to power the machines, with the operation discovered by a team led by Major General Montree Theskhan, commander of the CSD.
A multi-million dollar operation is putting pressure on Thailand’s energy network
Employee reveals nighttime theft, operators still unidentified
An employee at the site admitted that electricity theft occurred exclusively at night, using a manipulated energy meter to conceal the operation’s energy consumption. However, the company or individuals responsible for orchestrating the scheme remain unknown.
The CSD has announced plans to seek court orders to locate and arrest the operators behind the illegal mining operations. This incident underlines the increasing need for strict regulation and monitoring of cryptocurrency mining in Thailand.
In other countries, mining activities were halted
The shutdown in Thailand reflects a broader pattern of controversy over cryptocurrency mining worldwide.