The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) launched an operation to dismantle illegal bitcoin mining linked to the "Grey Chinese" network, a group of transnational scammers. Authorities seized 3,642 mining machines from operations running secretly for three years, causing government losses exceeding 3 billion baht.
At 16:30 at the Department of Special Investigation, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthphol Nawarath, DSI Director Yutthana Praedam, and Deputy Governor of the Provincial Electricity Authority for Operations, Thana Chokprasombat, jointly held a press briefing on the operation dubbed "Operation Copperhead" to dismantle illegal bitcoin mining.
Director Yutthana stated that the arrests followed a joint operation on 2 Dec by DSI and the Provincial Electricity Authority Region 3 (Central Region), targeting illegal bitcoin mining at six sites in Samut Sakhon and one site in Uthai Thani, totaling seven locations including four warehouses and three residences. Authorities seized and froze 3,642 bitcoin mining machines from the warehouses, valued at approximately 270 million baht, along with electrical systems and related equipment worth 30 million baht. The total estimated value of the illegal mining equipment at the four main sites exceeded 300 million baht.
Most mining operations were concealed inside shipping containers modified with innovative noise reduction and water cooling systems to evade detection of illicit electricity use. Further investigation revealed that the major orchestrators are linked to the "Grey Chinese" group, a network based in Myanmar connected to transnational scammers. Financial trails and benefits clearly indicated an intertwined network operating for over three years, causing government revenue losses exceeding 3 billion baht.
Currently, authorities are gathering information to expand investigations into money laundering routes and asset seizures related to the case. They plan to coordinate with relevant countries, including Chinese authorities, with whom preliminary discussions have taken place, to expedite prosecution and continuously disrupt the transnational criminal network.
Data suggests that the network's financial turnover exceeds 5 billion baht, with some funds linked to digital assets such as bitcoin, serving as a revenue stream for the Grey Chinese group and the scammer network. Previously, on 31 Jan, DSI conducted "Operation to Dismantle Secret Bitcoin Mines," seizing 1,788 mining machines in Samut Sakhon and investigating illegal electricity use linked to bitcoin mining in that case.
Prime Minister Anutin said DSI invited him to review bitcoin mining equipment and efforts to suppress offenders. Investigations also extended to illegal businesses secretly using electricity without paying bills. He called for DSI to expand probes into electricity theft, noting these activities consume significant power. Other matters fall under the Ministry of Justice, supervised by the Justice Minister who has already issued policies emphasizing transparency. He stressed focusing on behavior rather than identities: "Open the names and examine the conduct. Whoever is involved should be named regardless of status, position, or political ties. Today, there are no other issues or cases."
When asked about issues within the Department of Corrections, Anutin reassured there is no need for concern as he has issued policies to the ministers. No orders are needed for the director or others since they follow established principles. Regarding specific cases like the prison staff collusion and the 'Kra Dong' case, he said he is not monitoring every detail as all proceed through proper processes. On the VIP prison matter, he confirmed the Justice Minister is handling it. "Do not worry about audacious acts. I have few friends and no debts to repay anyone. The reform policy for the Department of Corrections must comply with the law, and the Justice Minister is taking action. No one in Thailand is above the law."
Following the briefing, the Prime Minister, Justice Ministry executives, and DSI jointly inspected the seized equipment and devices involved in illegal electricity use. The Prime Minister directed DSI to continue expanding efforts to suppress this form of technological crime.