DSI attends "NBT Has a Solution" program on tackling illegal electricity usage for Bitcoin mining

DSI attends "NBT Has a Solution" program on tackling illegal electricity usage for Bitcoin mining

          On Tuesday, September 26, 2024, Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Director General of the Department of Special Investigation, assigned Mr. Khemachart Prakaihongmanee, Director of the Bureau of Technology and Cyber Crime, to attend in the live discussion program "NBT Has a Solution" on the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (Channel 11). He was joined by Mr. Pantong Thinsatit, Assistant Governor of the Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand (PEA), to discuss the issue of illegal electricity usage for Bitcoin mining. The program was hosted by Dr. Puwanart Kunpalin.

          Mr. Khemachart Prakaihongmanee emphasized the collaboration between the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in Kanchanaburi Province, searching commercial buildings and suspected areas. The operation uncovered 15 locations illegally using electricity for digital currency (Bitcoin) mining and seized over 458 imported Bitcoin mining machine, causing annual loss over 100 million baht to the state.

          This illegal activity highlights the importance of prevention and suppression of crimes related to energy and information infrastructure which directly impact economy and security of the nation. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) plays a significant role in addressing complex crime especially in the areas of technology and economy.