Paraguay Seizes Two Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operations, 35 Machines Confiscated

Paraguayan authorities have uncovered two illegal Bitcoin (BTC) and digital asset mining operations that illegally tapped into electricity supplies, seizing 35 mining machines.

According to CryptoNoticias on May 19 (local time), Paraguay's state-owned power company ANDE, police, and prosecutors recently identified illegal mining sites in the Alto Paraná region of Minga Guazú and Ciudad del Este.

The mining operation discovered on May 17 in Minga Guazú was found to be directly drawing electricity without passing through meters. Authorities confiscated 10 ASIC mining machines at the scene and imposed a fine of approximately 176.16 million guaraní (about $30,000), including unpaid electricity fees and penalties.

Earlier, on May 12, 25 digital asset mining machines were seized from a residence in the Remán Cito area of Ciudad del Este after police responded to noise complaints and conducted an investigation with ANDE.

In response to the ongoing seizures, Paraguayan lawmakers have initiated a review of electricity usage by the mining industry. The Paraguayan House of Representatives approved a resolution on May 16 requiring ANDE to submit data on actual power consumption, applicable tariffs, related revenue, and enforcement status for digital asset mining operations.