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Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation has arrested four senior officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority on charges of running an illegal cryptocurrency mining operation that exploited state power infrastructure for personal profit.
Investigators seized 3,642 mining rigs and 19 million baht ($612,900) in cash during raids conducted under “Operation Copperhead,” a nationwide crackdown on crypto-related financial crimes launched in December 2025.
The raids were conducted under “Operation Copperhead,” a nationwide campaign launched in December 2025 to dismantle criminal networks involved in Illegal Crypto Mining, money laundering and asset concealment.
Police Maj Gen Rutthapon Naowarat said the operation focuses on tracing financial backers and seizing unlawfully acquired assets.
On January 19, DSI officials seized 3,642 crypto mining rigs uncovering evidence linking the operation to financiers and senior state officials.
Investigators said the accused PEA officials including an assistant governor, a regional deputy manager, a technician and a retired service division employee played direct roles in facilitating Illegal Crypto Mining operations.
Searches were conducted across Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Sakhon provinces. Investigators found that the officials allegedly used their authority to secure warehouses, ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and gain access to transformers for mining hubs, a common tactic in Illegal Crypto Mining schemes.
They reportedly received monthly kickbacks of up to 400,000 baht.
“Without exception and regardless of the rank or position, legal action will be taken against all offenders” said Pol Capt Khemachart Prakaihongmanee, director of the DSI’s Technology and Cyber Crime Bureau.
He added that the case would be fast tracked and forwarded to the National Anti Corruption Commission.
Thailand has been steadily tightening oversight of digital assets particularly targeting ‘grey money’ flows that pass through legal looking channels but are often linked to organized crime and Illegal Crypto Mining operations.
In January 2025, the PEA uncovered another Bitcoin mining farm in Chonburi after discovering tampered power meters used to steal electricity.
Authorities seized 996 mining rigs in that operation highlighting how deeply Illegal Crypto Mining has penetrated energy systems.
The issue is not limited to Thailand. Globally, governments are grappling with Illegal Crypto Mining linked to power theft and tax losses.
In Russia, authorities reported millions of dollars in annual electricity losses tied to unregistered mining prompting proposals for prison sentences of up to five years and fines reaching 2.5 million rubles.
