Police Bust Bitcoin Mining Ring Stealing 22 Million Baht Monthly Power
Police dismantled an illegal bitcoin mining network stealing approximately 22 million baht in electricity monthly, with connections to Chinese criminal groups and Thai government officials including seven state employees now facing charges.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has revealed a cryptocurrency mining network with connections to underground Chinese capital and Thai government officials. Speaking at Government House on July 23, 2024, Pol. Maj. Khemchat Prakaihuangmani, director of the DSI's Technology and Information Crime Division, detailed Operation Silent Volt, which raided seven locations and dismantled a network illegally using electricity for digital currency mining.
The operation expanded on leads received since 2565 following five previous arrests. Investigators conducted a three-week advance investigation before the operation, discovering that perpetrators were connected to previously arrested underground Chinese capital groups and Thai government officials. The case has been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
The illegal operation involved a direct connection from a high-voltage 22-kilovolt distribution system, bypassing the PEA's metering system—the largest illegal transformer use ever encountered. The two sites had been operating since April and September of the previous year but left no traces, complicating investigation and follow-up. Investigators will charge the suspects with theft and are examining whether money laundering laws apply.
The network was also linked to transnational organized crime, scamming gangs, and online gambling. Charges have already been filed against seven Thai government officials and one law enforcement officer.
Mongkol Trikitjanant, PEA governor, stated that any officials involved, regardless of rank, will face disciplinary, civil, and criminal action. Some have already been terminated.
Based on calculations involving approximately 2,000 bitcoin mining computers, the actual monthly electricity cost was about 22 million baht. However, perpetrators paid only 10,000-20,000 baht monthly, representing massive economic damage and significant state revenue loss.
