Thailand shuts down illegal Bitcoin mining farm for electricity theft, seizing equipment, and intensifies efforts to prevent future thefts.
Thai Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) recently shut down a Bitcoin mining farm for stealing electricity. This followed an investigation with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD). They tampered with a power meter on the farm to use electricity without paying in Phanat Nikhom district, Chonburi.
PEA officials and CSD officers visited the site Thursday. Among the 996 Bitcoin mining machines and other devices. Authorities estimate the electricity was worth hundreds of millions baht. However, they have not yet calculated the exact amount.
Police were told the theft took place at night by a staff member from the mining operation. During the day, the power meter was used correctly. It helped avoid suspicion so that the operation could extend for a more extended time.
Solving complex problems with powerful computers, miners create new Bitcoins. They are using a lot of electricity. However, electricity theft is a serious issue.
Thailand Tightens Monitoring of Illegal Bitcoin Mining Activity
The illegal operation’s company or people were not yet identified by the authorities. They will seek court warrants for their arrest. The PEA is exploring what can be done to bring the culprits to book.
Thai illegal Bitcoin mining is not the first time for its country. In August, another illegal mining farm was raided by authorities. The raid brings the tally to 32 held in Bangkok and Ratchaburi, a province to the west of the capital.
The area had suffered several weeks of power outages before the raid. A lot of people complained about the power disruption. Investigation of the authorities was conducted and it was discovered the crime was committed from a mining farm. In order to halt the illegal operation and sea abuse, they acted.
These are incidents of growing problem of illegal Bitcoin mining in Thailand. Electricity consumed by mining process is also affecting the power supply of the country. Now officials are more focused on preventing illegal operations such as these from taking place.
The PEA is looking into ways to better monitor Bitcoin mining activity. They’re checking to ensure power meters are not rigged and people follow the law. The actions are intended to defend Thailand’s electricity resources from further thefts.
