Key Points
- Authorities in Thailand have shut down a major Bitcoin mining operation, seizing nearly 1,000 machines.
- The illicit operation was stealing electricity, causing strain on Thailand’s power grid.
An illegal Bitcoin mining operation in Chonburi, Thailand, has been closed down by authorities.
This operation was discovered to be a part of a large-scale electricity theft scheme.
Uncovering the Theft
The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand were the ones to uncover the illicit operation.
The facility in Phanat Nikhom was raided after evidence was found of power meter tampering to steal electricity.
The theft was primarily executed at night to avoid detection, with the power meter functioning normally during the day.
Impact on Thailand’s Energy Grid
The scheme allowed the operation to mine Bitcoin without significant electricity costs, stealing large amounts of electricity.
The operation was discovered by a team led by Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan, the commander of the CSD.
An employee at the site admitted to the nighttime theft, but the orchestrators of the scheme remain unidentified.
The CSD plans to seek court warrants to track down and arrest the operators behind the illegal mining activity.
This incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of cryptocurrency mining in Thailand.