YASOTHON, THAILAND – Authorities have uncovered a massive illegal Bitcoin mining operation that was siphoning electricity, leading to significant financial losses.
Authorities in Yasothon province have apprehended an illegal Bitcoin mining operation, exposing a sophisticated scheme to steal electricity. The culprits managed to reduce their monthly electricity bill to a mere 8 Baht by illegally tapping directly into the power grid. Police and the electricity authority discovered 18 Bitcoin mining devices during a raid. The estimated monthly loss from this operation is at least 200,000 Baht, with total damages exceeding one million Baht. The building’s tenant, whose identity is known to authorities, is currently being sought.
Raid on the Second Floor
On June 19, police forces, led by Police Colonel Nirun Kaewin and Police Colonel Poom Thongpho, executed a raid on a commercial building located on the bypass road in the Mueang Yasothon district. A crucial tip-off came from the electricity authority, which had noted an unusual surge in the building’s electricity consumption.
Upon entering the second floor, officers discovered 18 Bitcoin mining devices. However, the premises were empty. The whirring of cooling fans was muffled by thick insulation on the walls, and surveillance cameras positioned around the building were intended to provide early warnings of any intruders.
Direct Line Hidden Under the Ceiling
According to the police, the perpetrators employed an extremely cunning method. They rented a building situated very close to a large transformer. An electrician then tapped a direct line from the power transmission line in front of the building, which was concealed beneath a false ceiling and a specially constructed awning.
The cables led directly into the interior, bypassing any official electricity meter. This allowed the power for the energy-hungry miners to flow completely free of charge. The alleged business operation’s monthly electricity bill was a mere 8 Baht.
Million Baht Damage Through Bitcoin Mining
Bitcoin mining devices consume enormous amounts of electricity. Mr. Precha Chanthates, an electrical engineer from Ubon Ratchathani Region 2, estimates the monthly damage to be at least 200,000 Baht. The authority estimates the total damage to be over one million Baht.
The theft was discovered because the responsible transformer began supplying significantly more power than usual. An investigation by the electricity authority ultimately led investigators directly to the commercial building.
Premiere for Yasothon
Police Colonel Poom Thongpho stated that this is the first known case of illegal electricity consumption for Bitcoin mining in Yasothon province. The police immediately applied for a search warrant after being alerted by the electricity authority.
At the crime scene, officers secured numerous pieces of evidence and confiscated all 18 devices. The case has now been handed over to investigators at the Mueang Yasothon police station. A search is underway for the tenant, whose name is known to the authorities.
Accusation of Theft Looms
The man faces legal proceedings for theft. The police are reportedly working diligently to apprehend him and bring him to justice.
The 18 Bitcoin mining devices have been confiscated as evidence. The case has been transferred to the investigative officers at the Mueang Yasothon police station.