DSI executed "Bitforge Operation" with PEA, busting illegal bitcoin mines hidden in 3 factories in Samut Sakhon Province, causing the government to lose over 500 million baht in revenue.

DSI executed "Bitforge Operation" with PEA, busting illegal bitcoin mines hidden in 3 factories in Samut Sakhon Province, causing the government to lose over 500 million baht in revenue.

On Friday, January 31, 2025, Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, along with Mr. Khemachart Prakaihongmanee, Director of the Bureau of Technology and Cyber Crime, Mr. Peerapon Puranachot, Deputy Governor (Central and Southern Region) of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), Mr. Thana Chokprasombat, Assistant Governor of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Area 3 (Central Region), and Police Captain Khetarat Chansilp, Deputy Governor of Samut Sakhon Province, conducted a search of 3 warehouses suspected of being used for illegal electricity usage to operate cryptocurrency mines in Samut Sakhon Province, under the operation name "Bitforge Operation" (a platform for mining cryptocurrency, specifically auto-mining USDC and USDT coins).

The "Bitforge Operation" resulted from the Department of Special Investigation receiving a complaint from the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Area 3 (Central Region) regarding unusual electricity usage in several warehouses. The investigation found that these were parts of an illegal cryptocurrency mining network using electricity without permission. This operation had been ongoing for approximately 3 years, causing the state a loss of over 500 million baht. The PEA requested legal action under the Special Case Investigation Act, BE. 2547 (2004). The Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation assigned the Bureau of Technology and Cyber Crime to handle the investigation. As a result, it was discovered that the network involved 3 warehouses, some of which were abandoned and unoccupied, located across Samut Sakhon Province. The Bureau of Technology and Cyber Crime officials then applied for search warrants to conduct the search, and the search of all 3 locations revealed digital currency mining machines.

Location 1: A warehouse in Nadi Subdistrict, Mueang District, with 396 machines.

Location 2: A warehouse in Ban Ko Subdistrict, Mueang District, with 462 machines.

Location 3: A warehouse in Tha Sai Subdistrict, Mueang District, with 930 machines, bringing the total to 1,788 machines.

Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, stated that this operation resulted in the largest seizure of bitcoin mining machines ever made. This illegal activity not only caused the government to lose revenue but also impacted the country's economic and energy stability. It is considered an economic crime that the government is prioritizing. The Department of Special Investigation will take strict legal action against those involved and will further expand the investigation to prevent similar offenses in the future. Additionally, he urged business owners and residents in commercial buildings to observe their surroundings. If they notice any suspicious activity or locations, they should immediately report it to the relevant authorities. If any electricity authorities are found to be involved, the Bureau of Technology and Cyber Crime, Department of Special Investigation, will take the most decisive legal action to protect the nation's economic interests and security.