Paraguay Deports Crypto Mining Thieves
Paraguayan authorities deported three individuals and arrested a fourth following an attempted theft of cryptocurrency mining equipment at a Teratech SA facility near the Itaipu hydroelectric dam. The incident highlights the growing interest in Paraguay as a cryptocurrency mining hub and the security challenges this presents.
Attempted Crypto Mining Theft in Paraguay
According to Paraguayan prosecutor Irene Rolón, police apprehended the suspects shortly after they broke into a secure area of the Teratech SA facility in Coronel Bogado. The three deported individuals—Jinping Duan, Tian Jianyun, and Zheng Guanglong—were Chinese nationals who lacked proper entry documentation. Authorities believe they entered Paraguay illegally via Brazil or Bolivia.
The fourth individual arrested, Nahun María Velázquez Garcete, a Paraguayan legal resident, is suspected of involvement in a criminal organization and has been charged with aggravated theft. He remains in pretrial detention after being hospitalized in critical condition following his arrest. The nature of his injuries remains undisclosed.
Possible Connections and Ongoing Investigation
Prosecutors are investigating whether the deported individuals had prior connections to Teratech SA, possibly as independent contractors. A report from the company's CEO is awaited to clarify their employment status. Authorities believe others were involved and the investigation is ongoing.
Prosecutor Rolón suspects the undocumented immigrants had been working in Paraguay for months, potentially as programmers, although their employment relationship remains unclear. This case underscores the security vulnerabilities of cryptocurrency mining operations and the need for robust security measures.
Paraguay's Crypto Mining Landscape
Paraguay's abundant renewable energy resources, particularly the excess electricity generated by the Itaipu dam, make it an attractive location for cryptocurrency mining. However, the incident highlights the potential risks associated with this growing industry, from theft and illegal activity to regulatory and security challenges.
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