Power theft

Power-intensive crypto mining is controversial in Paraguay, where an attempt at crypto regulation was vetoed because of it.

Property containing 2,738 crypto mining units was seized in Salto del Guairá, Paraguay, after the National Electricity Administration (ANDE) detected an unmetered power connection in the area. There is a bill before the country’s senate to ban crypto mining and other crypto-related activities pending comprehensive legislation and assurances from the national power supplier.

ANDE used artificial intelligence and power distribution analysis to zero in on the electricity theft, which it estimated was worth 1.1 billion guarani ($146,000) per month. Five transformers were also seized on the property. Four criminal charges may be brought against the operators of the illegal operation.

At least two other actions against illegal crypto farms — one in Salta del Guairá — were carried out in Paraguay in May, although those raids had much more modest results. All the government actions involved multiple agencies, including the National Police.

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