Paraguay uses AI to identify illegal Bitcoin mining farms, seizes 600 machines – DiarioBitcoin
By Hannah Perez
Paraguay seized almost 600 Bitcoin mining machines in the last week. Authorities revealed that they are using AI tools to uncover illicit installations.
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- Paraguay is cracking down on illegal Bitcoin mining
- Authorities seized nearly 600 machines and said they used AI to find the farms
- A former Paraguayan deputy is now being investigated for alleged links to one of the farms
- Paraguay lawmakers debate whether to ban Bitcoin mining in the country
The Government of Paraguay is making efforts to eradicate illegal cryptocurrency mining activities that divert energy directly from the country’s electrical grid, and is turning to the latest technology to identify farms.
In several separate operations in recent weeks, Paraguayan authorities seized nearly 600 mining machines Bitcoin of two farms that were apparently illegally connected to the electrical grid.
The National Energy Administration (ANDE) reported at the beginning of the week about a joint intervention with officials from the Public Ministry and agents from the National Police of a crypto mining facility located in the city of Saltos del Guairá, during which 176 processing machines were seized. of cryptocurrencies.
According to a statement from ANDE, in the premises there were two transformers of 1,000 kVA each that generated an estimated property damage of about USD $900,000 per year. They added that the Discovery of the illegal cryptocurrency mining farm was made thanks to the use of tools powered by artificial intelligence.
“The intervention operation was possible thanks to the use of technological tools, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) software and the Distribution SCADA system, which made it possible to identify important variations in the load of the electrical networks, which finally led to the identification and verification of suspicious area“, reads the statement.
Paraguay takes measures to stop illegal mining Bitcoin
The operation does not occur in isolation. A few days before, the official account of x from ANDE reported on a similar raid in the district of Sapucái, Paraguarí, allegedly linked to a former deputy.
More than 390 mining machines Bitcoin that were connected to the property of former deputy Miguel Cuevas, were seized by the Public Ministry of Paraguarí, which is now investigating the case. According to newspapers, it is estimated that the infrastructure has a value of approximately USD $1.5 million.
In October 2023, the former deputy was sentenced to 5 years in prison and assets worth approximately USD $250,000 were confiscated, after being found guilty of the crimes of illicit enrichment and false declaration during his performance as governor of Paraguarí and subsequently. as a deputy of the same department, remember RDN.
Last week, ANDE had reported a separate seizure of another crypto mining location in Hernandarias, Alto Paraná, after officials detected an irregular connection in the area. The agency did not specify if there was a seizure of equipment, but estimated an approximate damage of more than USD $97,000 per month.
The cases have been brought independently before the Prosecutor’s Office for the crimes of illegal theft of electrical energy (Art. 173), disturbance of public service (Art. 218) and sabotage (Art. 274) according to the Penal Code, authorities said. Those responsible must also pay damages, fines and are exposed to a maximum penalty of 3 years in prison.
The National Energy Administration (ANDE) previously reported that, since 2023, there have been more than 43 interventions to the national electrical grid related to cryptocurrency miners that have affected the quality of services.
Illicit digital currency mining has become an issue in Paraguay due to its impact on the national energy grid, prompting lawmakers to debate a possible ban on the activity in the country. In April, the Paraguayan Senate decided to pause a discussion on a bill that would restrict mining Bitcoin.
Article by Hannah Estefanía Pérez / DailyBitcoin
Picture of Unsplash
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