Bangkok, Monday, September 02, 20-24-Thai authorities on August 25 raided an illegal Bitcoin mining operation in Ratchaburi, west of Bangkok, after local residents reported frequent power outages in the area, officials said Sunday.
The raid, conducted by police and officials from the Provincial Electricity Authorities (PEA) on Friday, uncovered a Bitcoin mining facility inside a rented house.
AFP reported that according to Jamnong Chanwong, the district’s chief security officer, the operation had been drawing substantial electricity, but payments made for power usage were minimal.
The electricity consumption records revealed significant usage, inconsistent with the payments made, prompting suspicions of illegal activity.
The house had been rented by a company for about four months, and power outages in the area started around mid-July, coinciding with the mine likely becoming fully operational. The team initially attempted to inspect the premises on Thursday but were denied entry by a guard. A search warrant was obtained, and upon their return, much of the mining equipment had been moved.
Despite the raid, no arrests were made.
This marks the fourth illegal Bitcoin mining operation busted in Ratchaburi province this year, reflecting ongoing challenges in regulating such activities in Thailand.
Illegal mining has become increasingly prevalent due to the high electricity consumption required for cryptocurrency mining, which also attracts scrutiny for its environmental and economic impact.
