Thai authorities recently conducted a raid in Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi, targeting a crypto mining operation suspected of stealing electricity. Over 650 mining devices were confiscated, valued at more than 200 million baht. Acting on tip-offs about unusually high electricity use, officials from Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) secured warrants and raided the two locations. Evidence of tampered electricity meters was found at both sites, indicating electricity theft worth 5 million baht. Three individuals were arrested for managing the illegal mining operations, admitting to running them for about two months.
The raid in Samut Sakhon took place at a temple compound in the Ban Phaeo district, where 187 crypto mining devices were seized. A separate warehouse in Ratchaburi yielded an additional 465 phones, computers, and tablets associated with the mining operation. The three individuals apprehended, Sombat Tangnawadee, Kiatkongel Tumthong, and Somwang, confessed to managing the mining operations. They admitted to illegally importing the equipment from China and intended to sell it to crypto miners. The suspects also provided hosting services for miners’ machines, charging a monthly fee covering purportedly covering electricity costs.
The suspects revealed that they oversaw separate locations in Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi, illegally importing mining equipment and providing hosting services for crypto miners. They charged a monthly fee for housing the equipment, supposedly covering electricity costs. These locations were already under investigation before complaints arose about the cloud mining operation. Instances of illegal crypto mining operations being uncovered are increasing globally. In Russia, police seized over 3,200 mining rigs from hidden data centers in Siberia. Malaysia also found three stealth crypto mining operations suspected of stealing electricity, operating out of shophouses and residences.
The crackdown on illegal crypto mining operations is becoming more prevalent, as authorities aim to combat electricity theft and unauthorized activities in the sector. Countries around the world are stepping up efforts to enforce regulations and monitor cryptocurrency-related activities to prevent illegal activities. Instances of unauthorized mining operations are being identified and dismantled through coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies and energy regulators. The seizure of mining equipment and arrests of individuals involved in illegal mining activities serve as a deterrent and emphasize the importance of complying with regulations in the crypto mining industry.
The recent raid in Thailand highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face in regulating and monitoring the cryptocurrency sector to prevent illegal activities. The use of sophisticated technology such as tampered electricity meters to steal electricity for mining operations underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and enforcement measures. By apprehending individuals involved in illegal mining operations and confiscating equipment used for unauthorized activities, authorities send a strong message about the consequences of engaging in illicit crypto mining practices. As the crypto mining industry continues to evolve, regulatory bodies will need to adapt and strengthen their oversight to ensure compliance and prevent unauthorized activities in the sector.
