Illegal Bitcoin mine in Ratchaburi causing power shortages raided

Police raided a hidden Bitcoin mining operation in Ratchaburi, uncovering over 900 mining rigs and revealing illegal electricity use that caused power shortages in the community.

The raid was led by Deputy Superintendent Chumphon Sukphakdi of Ratchaburi City Police Station, along with Jumnong Chanwong, Chief District Officer for Security, Yotsaphon Chaibulwat, District Officer, and officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA).

They executed a court-issued search warrant at a house in the Ratchaburi City district, following complaints from residents about frequent power outages and damaged electrical appliances.

Residents reported fluctuating electricity and occasional blackouts, leading to damage to their home appliances. Upon investigation, the PEA suspected unauthorised electricity consumption was causing the power shortages.

The investigation pointed to a house operating as a factory, but the occupants were uncooperative when questioned. A tip-off from a community member suggested the house was being used for cryptocurrency mining, prompting police to obtain a search warrant.

The search revealed a securely locked gate, which officials had to force open with the landowner’s permission. Inside, no workers were found, but the team discovered a large number of Bitcoin mining rigs—over 900, though some had been removed prior to the raid.

A local reported that around 3am, several men and multiple vehicles were seen removing items from the house. It is believed the Bitcoin mining operation’s owner had begun relocating equipment before the police arrived, reported KhaoSod.

Electricity theft for such operations is not only illegal but poses significant risks to local infrastructure and resident safety. Police are now investigating further to identify those responsible for the illegal mining operation and the extent of the electricity theft.

In related news, police and officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) raided a Bitcoin mining operation illicitly using state electricity, incurring monthly losses of 10 million baht. Despite finding over 700 mining rigs, only 59 were seized, with evidence of the rest being moved.