Thai police dismantle Bitcoin mining operations using state electricity
Electricity siphoned to fuel illegal profits
Police in Ayutthaya have dismantled three illegal Bitcoin mining operations that were covertly using government electricity for three months, resulting in an estimated initial loss of over 3 million baht.
Yesterday, June 11, Police Major General Pairoj Sukruaythanachot, Deputy Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, along with Police Major General Worachat Saenkham, Commander of the Investigation Division of Provincial Police Region 1, and Police Major General Naruenat Phutthaisong, Commander of Ayutthaya Provincial Police, led a raid on three locations involved in illegal Bitcoin mining.
They were accompanied by local police officers and representatives from the Provincial Electricity Authority and related agencies.
The first site was a three-storey commercial building along Rojana Road in Sam Ruean, Bang Pa-in district. The second was a four-storey commercial building along the Uthai–Phachi Road in Khan Ham, Uthai district, and the third was a three-storey commercial building in Koh Rian, Ayutthaya district.
All three operations displayed similar characteristics: the ground floors were secured with rolling steel doors, and the electrical wiring at the front was concealed. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the electrical wires had been illegally tapped into the buildings.
Upon forcing entry, officials discovered 30 Bitcoin mining devices, one computer, one large fan, and various electrical wiring equipment at each site. In total, 90 mining devices, three computers, and three large fans were seized across the three locations.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Pairoj disclosed that this crime involved people with significant expertise in the field, although their downfall was using government electricity without permission. They had stolen electricity for approximately three months, costing the Provincial Electricity Authority between 300,000 and 400,000 baht per month (US$9,250 and 12,330), reported KhaoSod.
The total loss from these operations exceeded 3 million baht (US$92,480). Police apprehended one suspect and are currently investigating to identify other accomplices involved in the scheme.
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