Paraguayan Authorities Seize 2738 ASIC Miners from Illegal Farm

The National Electricity Administration of Paraguay (ANDE) uncovered an illegal mining farm in the city of Salto del Guairá. Authorities seized 2738 devices, reports Cointelegraph.

ANDE detected the farm’s activities using artificial intelligence and electricity distribution analysis. Losses were estimated at 1.1 billion Paraguayan guaraníes (approximately $146,000).

Operators of the mining farm may face charges under four criminal articles.

According to the publication, in May local authorities conducted at least two more raids against illegal digital asset mining centers, but with “more modest results.”

In April, a group of Paraguayan senators proposed a 180-day ban on cryptocurrency mining and related activities. Politicians argue that illegal enterprises steal electricity, leading to supply disruptions for the population.

An expert estimated the country’s economy could face annual losses of more than $200 million if the proposed bill is passed. Ultimately, the Senate suspended consideration of the cryptocurrency mining moratorium due to financial concerns.

One Bitcoin mining enterprise in Paraguay has directed the heat generated by ASIC miners to dry mangoes. The mining company donates 10% of the profits from fruit sales to Bitcoin Core developers.