The DSI raided seven locations to dismantle a network illegally using electricity for bitcoin mining. Evidence revealed an assistant provincial electricity governor and four senior officials abusing their power to benefit the syndicate, receiving monthly payments ranging from hundreds of thousands up to 400,000 baht.
On 26 January 2026 at the Department of Special Investigation, Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, together with Pol. Maj. Gen. Yuthana Praedam, Director-General of the DSI, Pol. Lt. Col. Chatupol Bongkochmas, Deputy Director-General of the DSI, Lt. Col. Khemchat Prakaihongmanee, Director of the Technology and Information Division, and Mr. Mongkol Treekitchanon, Governor of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), jointly announced the results of an operation dismantling an illegal digital currency mining network linked to various levels of government officials.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphon stated that on 3 December 2025, "Operation Copperhead" was launched, instructing all relevant agencies to swiftly prosecute offenders and expand investigations to the entire network, including influential figures and those behind the crimes. Subsequently, on 19 January, the DSI extended the operation under "Clean House" to search networks illegally using electricity for bitcoin mining, seizing 3,642 digital mining machines. Crucial evidence linked financiers and government officials, leading to court-issued search warrants for seven targets in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Sakhon.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Yuthana said that during the 19 January search, evidence implicated four electricity authority officials—three still holding management and operational posts (including an assistant provincial electricity governor and two district deputy managers), and one who retired in 2025. They abused their authority to benefit the illegal bitcoin mining network by securing warehouses, facilitating electricity and transformers, monitoring electrical loads, and receiving monthly bribes from 100,000 to approximately 400,000 baht. Authorities seized mobile phones, laptops, and bank passbooks, which are key evidence linking financial trails and corruption. Investigations also uncovered connections to financiers, a grey Chinese network, and suspects attempting to interfere with the justice process. Numerous pieces of evidence were seized, such as multiple mobile phones, computers, CCTV recorders, and extensive case documents, demonstrating a systematically organized syndicate.
Lt. Col. Khemchat reported that on 25 January, the special investigation team searched the residences of three assistant provincial electricity governors in Nakhon Pathom and Chonburi provinces. They found cash and bank deposit evidence totaling over 15,770,000 baht, along with 10 bank passbooks. The income examined was inconsistent with the assets owned, suggesting illicit enrichment.
Additionally, substantial financial trail evidence dating back to 2024 was found. Authorities confirmed they will prosecute all offenders equally without exception, including government officials and those in positions of authority. They are expediting the case to submit to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and will strictly enforce the law against any other involved officials to maintain transparency and public trust in the country’s justice system.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mongkol added that the Provincial Electricity Authority and DSI collaborated to investigate illegal electricity use for unauthorized bitcoin mining, which caused the authority losses amounting to billions of baht. Related officials have been suspended pending investigation, and a committee has been appointed to conduct disciplinary inquiries.