The BLACK TRACE operation results were announced regarding illegal electricity use for bitcoin mining linked to an international crime network, resulting in the seizure of real estate assets valued over 185 million baht.
At 16:00 on 22 Oct 2026, Mr. Piyasiri Wattanavarangkul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Lt. Col. Khemchat Prakaihongmanee, Director of the Technology and Information Crime Division, and Mr. Piya Sriwika, Director of Division 2 at the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), jointly announced the BLACK TRACE operation results. They conducted searches and seized assets and evidence related to illegal electricity use for bitcoin mining, confiscating two significant real estate properties valued over 185 million baht in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, and a condominium project in Huai Khwang District, Bangkok.
Mr. Piyasiri stated that following government and Ministry of Justice directives, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is intensifying efforts to suppress illegal bitcoin mining, prosecuting offenders and involved officials, alongside seizing bitcoin mining equipment linked to international crime networks. This is coupled with cracking down on shadow capital and nominees using Thai nationals to conceal foreign ownership of land or businesses. Recently, many possibly illegal companies were established by legal firms, prompting coordination with the Lawyers Council and accounting consultancies to examine and provide correct guidance.
Lt. Col. Khemchat explained that the Technology and Information Crime Division has continuously suppressed illegal bitcoin mining. Following the “Bitforge Operation” on 31 Jan 2025, which seized 1,788 bitcoin mining machines in Samut Sakhon Province, investigations uncovered illegal electricity use for bitcoin mining. This led to “Operation Copperhead” on 2 Dec 2025, where authorities, in cooperation with the Provincial Electricity Authority Region 3 (Central), conducted raids at seven locations in Samut Sakhon and Uthai Thani Provinces, seizing 3,642 bitcoin mining machines valued at about 270 million baht, plus electrical systems and equipment worth approximately 30 million baht, totaling over 300 million baht in assets.
Further investigation revealed links to a Chinese shadow network and an international scammer syndicate with over 5 billion baht in network turnover, causing the state a revenue loss exceeding 3 billion baht. Financial trails connected to this network were uncovered, including investments in two significant real estate properties.
Lt. Col. Khemchat reported that on 22 Oct, the Technology and Information Crime Division, together with Immigration Police and AMLO officers, conducted searches in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, and Huai Khwang District, Bangkok, under criminal court warrants No. 610-625/2569. They collected evidence and seized assets related to illegal electricity use for digital currency mining in Special Case 21/2568.
The searches revealed two key real estate assets: land with buildings in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, covering about 525 square wah with a three-story building valued over 106 million baht based on 2023 purchase prices, owned by a company. Investigations found foreign individuals held shares through the company instead of direct land ownership, with two Myanmar shareholders holding 49% combined and two Thai shareholders holding 51%. Additionally, 15 condominium units in Huai Khwang, Bangkok, valued at approximately 79 million baht, were owned by five Myanmar nationals. Investigations suggest Chinese investors are behind this, using nominees to conceal ownership and evade official scrutiny.
In total, 25 suspects are involved in this case. Special investigation officers have charged six individuals and issued warrants for 19 others. The suspects include five Chinese nationals, six Thais, thirteen Myanmar nationals, and one legal entity. They allegedly stole electricity without authorization from power providers to operate bitcoin mining equipment.. . .. . .. . .Large numbers of mining machines were installed in buildings or warehouses, running continuously 24 hours a day for more than two years, generating digital asset returns.
The operation revealed clear task division: some suspects operate abroad and occasionally enter Thailand; others reside permanently. Roles include investors, warehouse and property renters, electronics and bitcoin mining machine handlers, and those modifying buildings for bitcoin mining. These groups are linked to suspects arrested in 2025.
Lt. Col. Khemchat noted that examination of financial sources for condominium purchases, relationships between property owners and suspects, and actual beneficiaries raised multiple suspicions. The Technology and Information Crime Division is gathering additional evidence and coordinating with public and private agencies to verify corporate data, property ownership, and financial transactions before legal action. The conduct indicates systematic planning, constituting habitual theft, computer crime by unauthorized interference with others’ computer systems under the Computer Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007) and amendments, theft at night by multiple offenders under the Criminal Code, and money laundering and conspiracy under the Anti-Money Laundering Act B.E. 2542 (1999) and amendments.
Meanwhile, Mr. Piya said AMLO’s financial investigation found links to key figures in the international scammer case. If AMLO identifies assets derived from scam victims, it will proceed to seize these assets and announce protections for victims to file claims.