BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has announced the results of Operation SILENT VOLT, an operation targeting an illegal electricity theft network used to power digital currency mining facilities. Authorities have seized more than 1,900 mining machines worth about 200 million baht and estimated that stolen electricity caused losses exceeding 280 million baht. Investigators are continuing to pursue the entire network through criminal, financial, and asset-tracing investigations.
The Department of Special Investigation and the Provincial Electricity Authority carried out coordinated searches at seven locations in Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom provinces on July 21. Investigators found that the network had illegally connected directly to the 22-kilovolt power distribution system, bypassing official electricity meters to operate digital currency mining equipment without paying for electricity. Additional searches at five residences and office locations produced documents and other evidence expected to support further legal action.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said during a press conference today (July 23) that authorities are also examining how the mining equipment entered Thailand, directing the Customs Department to review import records, customs declarations, and compliance with import regulations. He added that while the government supports lawful digital economy activities, it will continue taking action against anyone who exploits public resources or violates the law.
Authorities estimated that nearly 2,000 mining machines operating legally would have incurred electricity costs of about 22 million baht per month, while the operators in this case allegedly paid only 10,000 to 25,000 baht monthly. Investigators said suspects could face charges including theft of state-owned electricity, money laundering, and violations of building, environmental, and public health laws as the investigation expands to identify additional suspects and trace financial assets. (NNT)
