Paraguayan Authorities Seize Crypto Mining Units and Crack Down on Electricity Theft

• 2,738 crypto mining units seized in Paraguay for power theft.
• ANDE used AI to detect illegal operation worth $146,000/month.
• Bill in Paraguay's senate to ban crypto mining due to power theft.
• Paraguay lacks legal base for crypto operations despite abundant power supply.
• Previous attempts to regulate crypto mining in Paraguay failed.
• Major mining facilities like Bitfarms and Marathon Digital operate in Paraguay.

Summary :
Paraguayan authorities have seized a property in Salto del Guairá containing 2,738 crypto mining units after detecting an illegal power connection. The National Electricity Administration (ANDE) estimated that the electricity theft was worth $146,000 per month. The seizure comes as a bill to ban crypto mining and other crypto-related activities is pending in the country's senate. ANDE used artificial intelligence and power distribution analysis to identify the theft. In addition to the mining units, five transformers were also confiscated. The operators of the illegal operation may face four criminal charges. Paraguay, known for its abundant hydropower supply, has been a popular destination for crypto mining. However, the lack of regulatory legislation and concerns about the impact on national industries have led to efforts to ban mining. Despite the proposed ban, major mining companies like Bitfarms, Marathon Digital, and Tether have operations in the country.

Sources :

- CoinTelegraph