Thai Police Raid Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operation
Thai police conducted a raid on a massive illegal bitcoin mining operation in Bangkok, seizing equipment valued at nearly $2 million.
Raid Details
Police raided an empty ice factory in western Samut Sakhon city after receiving a tip about unusually high electricity consumption.
- 690 bitcoin-mining units were discovered, estimated at $1.9 million.
- Seized items included an electrical transformer, laptops, and aluminum cables.
Arrest and Investigation
A Myanmar national was arrested at the site, with ongoing investigations into other individuals involved, including the factory owner and property leaseholder.
Previous Raids
Police have conducted raids on other locations for illegal bitcoin mining, with smaller operations discovered. In a recent raid, 187 and 465 bitcoin mining machines were seized in separate locations, totaling an estimated $5 million.
Impact and Detection
Illegal bitcoin mining in Thailand is a growing concern due to its high electricity demands. Police are often alerted to such activities by significant power surges.