Authorities in Thailand recently conducted a raid on a suspected illegal crypto mining operation in Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi, resulting in the confiscation of over 650 mining devices worth more than $5 million. Acting on tips about unusually high electricity consumption, officials from Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau and the Provincial Electricity Authority obtained warrants to raid the locations. In Samut Sakhon, a temple compound in Ban Phaeo district was targeted, where 187 mining devices were seized, while a separate warehouse in Ratchaburi contained 465 phones, computers, and tablets related to the operation. Evidence of tampered electricity meters was found at both sites, indicating an estimated $135,000 worth of stolen electricity.
Three individuals, Sombat Tangnawadee, Kiatkongel Tumthong, and Somwang, were arrested for managing the illegal mining operations. The suspects admitted to overseeing the operations in Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi, as well as illegally importing the mining equipment from China with the intention to sell it to other miners. They also provided hosting services for miners’ machines, charging a monthly fee to cover electricity costs. These locations were already under investigation prior to complaints about the cloud mining operation, reflecting an increase in crackdowns on illegal crypto mining operations in various countries.
The recent raid in Thailand is part of a global trend of authorities targeting hidden crypto mining operations that steal electricity. In Russia, police confiscated over 3,200 mining rigs from hidden data centers in Siberia, while Malaysia uncovered three stealth mining operations operating out of shophouses and residences. The crackdown on illegal mining activities highlights the growing issue of crypto mining operations stealing electricity in various countries, resulting in significant financial losses for utility companies and impacting the wider community.
The suspects in the Thai case were found to have tampered with electricity meters to steal an estimated $135,000 worth of power for their mining operation. They confessed to managing the illegal mining activities and importing mining equipment from China. Additionally, they provided hosting services for miners’ machines, charging a monthly fee to cover electricity costs. Such illegal activities not only pose a risk to the integrity of the cryptocurrency market but also result in financial losses for utility companies and potential safety hazards due to unauthorized tampering with power sources.
The crackdown on illegal crypto mining operations in Thailand and in other countries is a response to the growing problem of power theft in the cryptocurrency mining industry. In Malaysia, authorities discovered multiple clandestine mining operations operating out of residential and commercial properties, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and enforcement to prevent such activities. The recent raids in Thailand targeting illegal mining operations demonstrate the authorities’ commitment to combating this type of criminal activity and ensuring compliance with regulations and laws governing cryptocurrency mining.
The arrests in Thailand and the seizure of over 650 mining devices valued at more than $5 million highlight the scale of the illegal crypto mining operations in the country. By targeting hidden data centers and residential properties used for unauthorized mining activities, authorities are sending a clear message that such operations will not be tolerated. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and utility companies in identifying and shutting down these illegal activities is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the cryptocurrency market and preventing financial losses due to power theft. Despite the challenges posed by illicit mining operations, proactive enforcement measures are essential to protecting the interests of both the cryptocurrency industry and the general public.
