Police uncover covert cryptocurrency mining operation

Authorities in Ratchaburi discovered a covert bitcoin mining operation in Photharam district on Wednesday following anomalies in electricity consumption detected by the local Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) in Tambon, Chet Samian.

During the raid at Minor Union Co.’s office, one suspect, identified as Wirapon Kattiya, 41, from Loei, was apprehended.

Police, led by Photaram police station chief Pol. Col. Chatchana Narawutthiphon, seized 59 bitcoin mining devices from the location for further investigation.

The crackdown was prompted by a complaint from Egat about unusual power usage at the premises.

Acting on a search warrant, officers raided the premises where they encountered Mr. Wirapon, who claimed to be the building’s caretaker, Pol. Col. Chatchana stated.

Investigators believe approximately 700 bitcoin mining devices had been set up there, though most were removed before the raid, according to the Photaram police chief.

Additionally, authorities discovered that the site’s power meter, installed by Egat, had been tampered with.

“The illicit activity is estimated to have caused Egat losses of around 10 million baht per month,” he added.

Original Story by: Bangkokpost