Thai Authorities Uncover Massive Illegal Crypto Mining Operation, Seizing 63 Rigs

On Friday, officials from Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) uncovered a significant illegal crypto mining operation, seizing 63 mining machines valued at approximately 2 million baht ($60,000).

The machines were discovered hidden in three abandoned houses located in Pathum Thani province.

The investigation began after local residents reported suspicious activity involving theft of electricity from utility poles and transformers in the area. They suspected that the stolen power was being used to fuel unauthorized cryptocurrency mining activities within the vacant buildings.

Crypto mining is an energy-intensive process, and authorities estimate that the illegal operation led to losses of over 11 million baht (about $327 million) for the Metropolitan Electricity Authority. In addition to the mining rigs, officials confiscated several related items, including three mining controllers, routers, internet boosters, modified electricity meters, and personal electronics like computers and bank passbooks. Despite the discovery, no arrests were made since the operation was remotely controlled.

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Further investigation revealed a link between the illegal mining operation and a luxury residence in Bangkok’s Khan Na Yao district. CIB officials have requested a search warrant to investigate the property and identify those behind the operation.

Beyond the financial damage to the electricity provider, authorities highlighted the significant fire risks posed by the illegal mining activities. These operations, which consumed vast amounts of electricity, were left unsupervised, increasing the danger of fire outbreaks.

Illegal crypto mining has been a persistent issue in Thailand and across Southeast Asia for years. In January, Thai authorities confiscated 996 illegal mining rigs in Phanat Nikhom district, and in November 2024, they shut down nine illegal Bitcoin farms in Surat Thani province, which were responsible for stealing nearly $300,000 worth of electricity. Similar mining activities were also uncovered in August when residents of a town near Bangkok reported power outages caused by illicit operations.

Alexander Stefanov