Paraguay Seizes 35 Illegal Bitcoin Mining Machines

Paraguayan authorities seized 35 digital asset mining machines from two illegal sites. The devices were located in Minga Guazu and Ciudad del Este. Both operations drew electricity without passing through meters. This activity bypassed standard utility billing systems.

The Minga Guazu site contained 10 application-specific integrated circuit miners. Police found the equipment connected directly to the power grid. Authorities imposed penalties totaling 176.16 million guaranies. This amount covers unpaid bills and regulatory fines.

Enforcement Actions Target Grid Abuse

The second seizure occurred in the Remansito area of Ciudad del Este. Agents confiscated 25 machines from a private residence. The investigation began after a noise complaint. State power utility ANDE assisted police in the inspection.

The combined total of seized hardware reached 35 units. These machines were used for Bitcoin and other crypto operations. The illegal connections created significant load on the local grid. Officials noted the direct financial loss to the utility.

Legislative Response Demands Utility Transparency

Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies approved a resolution on September 16. The measure requires ANDE to report on mining industry data. The report must include actual electricity consumption figures. It must also detail applicable tariffs and related revenue.

The resolution mandates transparency on enforcement activities. ANDE must disclose how it detects unauthorized usage. This legislative step follows the recent string of busts. The government aims to regulate the sector’s energy footprint.

Regulatory Framework Tightens Around Mining

The seizures highlight ongoing tensions over energy allocation. Mining operations require substantial continuous power. Illegal connections undermine the stability of the public grid. Authorities continue to prioritize these enforcement actions.

GN auto markets reported on the seizure details. The total penalty value was approximately 30,000 dollars. The hardware remains in state custody. The legal process for the operators is ongoing.