
Thailand expands $307M crypto mining probe
- Thailand expanded an investigation into an alleged criminal network linked to illegal crypto mining, money laundering and cybercrime.
- Authorities seized 6,390 mining rigs and said the operation stole nearly US$29 million worth of electricity.
- Prosecutors are preparing charges against suspects and officials accused of facilitating the scheme.
Thailand's Department of Special Investigation expanded a probe into an alleged transnational network accused of using illegal cryptocurrency mining operations to launder more than US$300 million annually from online scams, gambling and cybercrime activities.
The investigation follows multiple raids in 2025 that dismantled three mining operations and resulted in the seizure of 6,390 cryptocurrency mining rigs.
“The illegal use of electricity for cryptocurrency mining has evolved past simple utility theft, serving as a vital mechanism for international criminal syndicates to fund cybercrime and destabilize the country's economic and financial security,” said Department of Special Investigation officials.
Authorities said the operations stole nearly US$29 million worth of electricity from the Provincial Electricity Authority, while investigators alleged that funds were moved through corporate entities and bank accounts with unusually high transaction volumes.
The Department of Special Investigation said prosecutors are preparing the case for trial and have issued arrest warrants for eight suspects, while Following the announcement the department did not disclose any timeline for court proceedings.
Investigators said the network allegedly used Myanmar nationals to withdraw between US$910,000 and US$1.5 million daily from Thai bank accounts, with annual cash movements reaching at least US$307 million.
The investigation also involves allegations against seven electricity authority officials, one law enforcement officer and multiple investors, while U.S. authorities previously linked alleged network figure Wang Yicheng to digital asset fraud cases involving more than US$17.8 million in seized assets.