Police Bust Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operation in Abandoned Building
Police seized ten bitcoin mining machines from an abandoned building in Pathum Thani after authorities detected illegal power consumption; the operation bypassed meters and caused millions in state damages.
On July 9, 2025, Region 1 Police Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana Yicheen, together with Deputy Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Wichit Boonchinawitthakul, authorized a search operation led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Warchart Seankhum of Region 1's Special Operations Unit. Officers executed search warrant 349/2569 issued by Thanyaburi Provincial Court on July 8, 2025, at a three-story commercial building in Tambon Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani Province. The operation was conducted after provincial electricity authorities reported abnormal power consumption at the abandoned building.
Officers discovered ten bitcoin mining machines installed on the third floor, concealed with soundproofing wall panels and carefully hidden wiring. The mining equipment's cooling fan noise was masked to resemble continuous air ventilation sounds. Preliminary investigation by electricity officials revealed that the electrical circuit had been illegally modified to bypass the meter, allowing unmetered power consumption for continuous digital mining operations. The state suffered damages valued at several million baht.
Confiscated evidence includes ten bitcoin mining machines, network equipment, internet signal receivers, electrical main switches, three-phase meters, breakers, and wiring. All materials were transferred to Khlong Luang Police Station for legal proceedings and further investigation to apprehend those responsible.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana revealed that meter tampering or illegal direct power connections for digital mining constitutes night-time theft, punishable by up to five years imprisonment plus substantial civil damages owed to the electricity authority. He also warned that unauthorized electrical system modifications and excessive current usage in abandoned buildings pose serious risks of electrocution, short circuits, and fires that could endanger nearby residents and their property.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Phakpong Saiubol, spokesman for Region 1 Police, urged anyone with information about such violations to report tips to the emergency hotline 191 at any police station, available 24/7.
