Bitcoin mining dens that stole 100m baht of electricity raided

A TEAM of Department of Special Investigation (DSI) police together with Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) officials raided houses and commercial buildings at several locations across Kanchanaburi that had been turned into Bitcoin mining dens and effectively stolen over 100 million baht in electricity annually, PPTVHD36 said today (Oct. 9).

The raid followed a complaint to PEA that illegal mining of cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, was taking place in Tha Muang district.

Investigation revealed that the perpetrators had rented houses and commercial buildings at over 13 locations in Kanchanaburi and used imported equipment that were illegally connected to power supply to mine the cryptocurrencies.

After getting a warrant to search these houses and buildings and raiding them today, DSI police were able to seize 300 computers and mainframes. They arrested a suspect, Mr. Kritsada (surname withheld), who admitted to being the owner and administrator, and took him to Tha Muang police station for legal action.

Mr. Thana Chokprasombat, PEA Region 3’s assistant governor, said these Bitcoin dens consumed large amounts of electricity comparable to an industrial factory with the crypto criminals stealing electricity by modifying the meters.

At the first property raided there were 12 crypto mining units with each needing 3.6 kilowatts of electricity and the bill reaching approximately 150,000 baht each month but the criminals were only paying 100 to 400 baht causing a big loss of income.

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A DSI police team together with PEA officials raiding Bitcoin mining dens in Kanchanaburi. Photos: DSI