Thai officials say more than 300 cryptocurrency mining machines were seized during raids targeting alleged illegal Bitcoin mining operations across five northeastern provinces.
The inspections were described as a joint operation involving the Ministry of Interior, the Provincial Electricity Authority, police, and provincial administration officers. Authorities said 14 locations were checked in Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Roi Et, and Maha Sarakham during Saturday’s operation.
Officials said the raids led to the seizure of 315 digital currency mining machines after investigators found suspected electricity meter tampering and illegal power connections used to run the equipment. The alleged losses were estimated at 40.38 million baht, including 5.38 million baht in penalties linked to electricity violations and about 35 million baht in unpaid electricity charges.
The case underlines why crypto mining remains a recurring enforcement issue in places where operators can draw large amounts of power while trying to avoid normal electricity costs. Mining hardware can consume significant electricity at scale, making power access one of the central costs of running a Bitcoin mining setup.
Officials said evidence had been collected and complaints filed against people allegedly involved in the operations.