Paraguay court jails two Bitcoin miners

• A Paraguayan court convicted two Bitcoin miners for stealing electricity used in mining operations and imposed two-year jail sentences.
• The ruling supports efforts by the National Power Administration to reduce losses linked to illegal mining activities.
• Authorities said the decision establishes a legal precedent that could increase accountability for property owners and operators involved in energy theft.

Paraguay's National Power Administration (ANDE) secured a court ruling against two individuals convicted of using stolen electricity to mine Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) through illegal connections to the power grid.

The June 19 decision follows several years of enforcement efforts by ANDE as authorities attempt to reduce losses associated with illegal cryptocurrency mining operations.

“This judicial decision sets a powerful precedent by establishing that justice will reach not only those who carry out illegal connections but also those who facilitate, permit, or benefit from actions that compromise the national electricity system,” said ANDE.

The court sentenced Cristian Daniel Jara Villalba and Ramon Martinez Morinigo to two years in prison, although the execution of the sentences was suspended, while one defendant was also held responsible as the contracted owner of the property where the mining operation was discovered.

ANDE said it will continue strengthening controls and legal measures against illegal electricity use and cryptocurrency mining activities, while Following the announcement the Bitcoin price was unchanged at approximately US$64,000.

The ruling follows earlier convictions in 2023 when Edgar Saavedra and Rodrigo Suares received two-year suspended sentences for similar energy theft offences linked to Bitcoin mining.

In August 2024, Carlos Raul Rojas received an 18-month prison sentence after authorities said illegal mining activities caused more than US$1.5 million in losses to ANDE.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $63,855.62.