Owner Shocked to Find Bitcoin Mining Gang Wrecking Rented Building
A property owner in Khon Kaen discovered that his rented building had been secretly converted into a Bitcoin mining operation, causing extensive damage. Police seized seven mining machines after the tenants attempted to disconnect power and move out. The owner warned other landlords to screen tenants and inspect properties regularly to prevent similar incidents.
The owner was devastated after finding his rented commercial building, leased for seven months, completely wrecked and converted into a Bitcoin mining farm. On October 6, 2026, 40‑year‑old Piyawat inspected the property in Moo 15, Phra Lap subdistrict, Mueang district, Khon Kaen, after a gang had taken over the space for illegal mining without his knowledge. He recalled that in March 2025 a man approached him, saying he wanted to use the building for storage, so they signed a yearly lease and Piyawat never checked on it again. It was only after a neighbor reported loud noises on a Saturday night that he went to investigate, fearing electrical equipment might cause a short circuit. Upon arrival he noticed the electricity meter was not moving despite the suspected load, saw that the lower‑floor windows were covered with film, and observed signs of electricity tapping from the side window. He took photos as evidence and filed a report with the Phra Lap police substation before submitting them to the Khon Kaen Provincial Electricity Authority for inspection. On October 5, 2026, while the tenants were disconnecting the power and moving out, officers arrived and detained them. Piyawat said that after police seized seven digital‑currency mining machines and collected evidence, he went up to the second floor and nearly buckled at the sight: the bedrooms had been torn out, replaced by a large‑fan installation and a room for storing the mining rigs, complete with sound‑absorbing foam and a sophisticated cooling system, indicating a long‑term setup. He urged other owners of commercial properties to vet tenants carefully and conduct regular checks to ensure their buildings remain in good condition, adding that he will pursue legal action against those responsible for the damage.
