Paraguay Cracks Down on Power Theft, Seizing Over 2,700 Crypto Mining Units

  • May 31, 2024
According to Cointelegraph: In an intensified crackdown on electricity theft, the National Electricity Administration (ANDE) of Paraguay has seized a property hosting 2,738 crypto mining units in Salto del Guairá. The property was targeted after an illegal power connection was detected, with the illicit electricity usage estimated at 1.1 billion guarani ($146,000) per month. Source: Joaquin Moinigo Power-intensive crypto mining is a controversial topic in Paraguay, and the country's senate is examining a bill proposing a ban on crypto mining and related activities pending comprehensive legislation and reassurances from the national power supplier. Then-president Mario Abdo Benítez vetoed a bill regulating cryptocurrencies in the country in 2021, expressing concerns about the crypto mining provisions. Despite being home to major mining operations, including Bitfarms, Marathon Digital, and Tether, illegal mining remains a significant problem in Paraguay. The proposed bill that could temporarily ban crypto-related activities has currently been put on hold, but discussion about it is officially considered "postponed."