The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Thailand has confiscated 63 illegal cryptocurrency mining machines from three abandoned houses in Pathum Thani province. The raid, conducted on Friday, followed complaints from local residents in Khlong 6, Thanya Buri district, who reported suspected electricity theft in the area.
According to authorities, an unidentified group had been illegally tapping into power lines and transformers to run a secret crypto mining operation via remote control, without any human supervision.
Equipment Worth Over 2 Million Baht Seized
In addition to the mining machines, police also recovered:
- Three mining controllers
- Three routers and three internet signal boosters
- Three modified electricity meters
- A desktop computer and a laptop
- Two bank passbooks
The estimated value of the confiscated equipment is over 2 million baht.
Investigation Expands to Bangkok
Authorities also found links between the Pathum Thani mining operation and a luxury residence in Ram-Indra Soi 65, Bangkok. Police are seeking a court warrant to search the residence and identify the ringleader and accomplices behind the illicit operation.
Electricity Theft Caused Over 11 Million Baht in Damage
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority estimated that the stolen power used to run the illegal crypto mining rigs caused damage exceeding 11 million baht. Officials warned that unattended mining operations pose a serious fire hazard, as they consume high amounts of electricity without proper monitoring.
As crypto-related crimes continue to rise, Thai authorities remain vigilant in cracking down on illicit mining activities that exploit national resources and pose risks to public safety.