Thai Authorities Raid Illegal Bitcoin Mine Caught Stealing Electricity

Thailand’s police and electricity officials raided an illegal Bitcoin mine in Ratchaburi province last Friday, following frequent complaints of power outages in the area, local authorities said on Sunday.

Local police, along with officials from the Provincial Electricity Authorities (PEA), searched a house suspected of operating as a Bitcoin mining operation on Friday. “We found bitcoin mining rigs, pointing to people using this house to operate a mine and using the power they didn’t fully pay for,” stated Jamnong Chanwong, chief district security officer.

Authorities began investigating the location in mid-July after receiving reports of power outages, likely coinciding with when the mining operation became fully operational. Chanwong noted the irregularity.

“Records showed that electricity consumption in the house was large, but they had paid for very little of it,” he said.

The team attempted to enter the property on Thursday but was blocked by a guard. When they returned with a search warrant on Friday, much of the mining equipment had already been moved.

“A company had rented the house for around four months,” Chanwong explained. No arrests were made during the raid.

The raid in Ratchaburi marks the fourth time this year that authorities have targeted illegal bitcoin mining operations in the province. Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, have become popular destinations for bitcoin miners seeking low-cost electricity and established infrastructure.

However, illegal mining continues to increase as miners attempt to evade taxes and regulatory scrutiny. In Thailand, Bitcoin miners are classified as manufacturers and must pay associated taxes, but some opted to operate without authorization.

Recent actions in the region reflect similar enforcement efforts. In Malaysia, authorities destroyed 985 Bitcoin mining machines valued at about 1.98 million Malaysian ringgits ($452,500), as part of their crackdown on power theft linked to illegal mining. Seven people were also arrested in Malaysia earlier this month for allegedly running bitcoin mining operations with stolen electricity. These incidents illustrate a continued focus on illegal Bitcoin mining activities and the associated electricity theft.

Thai authorities have not yet detained any individuals involved in the Ratchaburi illegal bitcoin mine operation. The investigation is ongoing.

Lawrence does not hold any crypto asset. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

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