Officials from Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) confiscated 63 illegal cryptocurrency mining machines on Friday. These unauthorized rigs, valued at approximately 2 million baht ($60,000), were discovered in three deserted houses located in Pathum Thani province.
The authorities conducted the operation following complaints from local residents about unidentified individuals unlawfully drawing electricity from utility poles and transformers in the area. Community members suspected that this stolen electricity was being utilized for concealed cryptocurrency mining activities within the abandoned structures.
Cryptocurrency mining demands substantial electricity resources. Authorities estimate that the illegal mining activities resulted in losses exceeding 11 million baht (over $327 million) for the Metropolitan Electricity Authority.
The mining equipment was operated remotely
According to police, in addition to the mining machines, they also seized three mining controllers, three routers, three internet signal boosters, three modified electricity meters, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and two bank passbooks. No individuals were apprehended, as the operations were managed remotely.
Evidence indicated that this illicit operation was linked to a luxury residence in Ram-Indra Soi 65 within Bangkok’s Khan Na Yao district. CIB officials have requested a search warrant to investigate the residence further and identify the ringleader and potential accomplices.
Authorities pointed out that these illegal mining operations not only inflicted damage on the electricity supply but also posed a significant fire risk due to their high power consumption without any human oversight.
Illegal mining activities continue to plague Thailand
In Thailand, Bitcoin miners are categorized as manufacturers and are subject to relevant taxes. However, illegal cryptocurrency mining has been a persistent issue in Thailand and Southeast Asia for several years.
During a raid in January, officials confiscated 996 illegal Bitcoin (BTC) mining rigs from the Phanat Nikhom district.
In November 2024, authorities shut down nine unauthorized Bitcoin mining farms in Surat Thani province, which were estimated to have taken nearly $300,000 worth of electricity.
Similarly, in August, a raid in a town west of Bangkok uncovered signs of illegal cryptocurrency mining following local complaints about power outages.
