DSI Forwarded Inquiry Files to NACC, Indicting PEA Officers of Bitcoin Mining Facilitation

DSI Forwarded Inquiry Files to NACC, Indicting PEA Officers of Bitcoin Mining Facilitation

According to the policies of Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister, and Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, which strictly instruct all agencies to expedite the suppression of illegal use of electricity for bitcoin mining network—especially with the case where government officials are involved—it is found that such action has caused massive damage to the government. Therefore, the Department of Special Investigation has initiated an operation to continuously conduct a search, seize assets, and apprehend involved individuals, including the state officials.

        Recently on May 8, 2026, Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Director General of the Department of Special Investigation, decided to forward 6 inquiry files of Special Case no. 6/2569, totaling 2,266 pages, where a group of individuals illegally used electricity for digital currency mining in Samut Sakhon Province and Uthai Thani Province. The authorities seized 3,642 bitcoin mining machines with estimated damage over 3 billion baht, as well as discovered circulated funds within the network for over 5 billion baht. Later, following the expanded investigation, the evidence revealed that the Assistant Governor of the Provincial Electricity Authority (title held at the time of the offense) and accomplices, totaling 10 people, have been involved in receiving properties or any other benefits from the offenders in order to facilitate the illegal use of electricity for digital currency mining or any other benefits, which constitutes the criminal offense of being state officials who unlawfully requested, received, or accepted properties or any other benefits for oneself or others in order to perform or not to perform any act in the performance of one’s duty, whether such act is lawful or not; and performing or failing to perform one’s duty according to the Offenses of Officials in State Organisations or Agencies Act, B.E. 2502 (1959) and Criminal Code. The authorities seized cash and funds in bank accounts totaling 19 million baht, as well as evidence of financial trails linking to the group of financiers that caused damage to the Provincial Electricity Authority. The evidence has been forwarded to the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for further legal proceedings in accordance with its power and duties.