Quick Facts
Paraguay Takes a Stand Against Crypto Mining Theft: Three Undocumented Immigrants Deported
In a recent incident, Paraguayan law enforcement took swift action against a group of undocumented immigrants who attempted to steal crypto miners at a facility near the country’s Itaipu hydroelectric dam. The case highlights the importance of ensuring the security of cryptocurrency mining operations and the need for countries to take a firm stance against illegal activities.
The Incident
According to a statement from Paraguayan prosecutor Irene Rolón, the three Chinese nationals, Jinping Duan, Tian Jianyun, and Zheng Guanglong, were caught by police soon after breaking into a locked section of Teratech SA’s facility in Coronel Bogado. The men, who did not have official entry records into the country, were believed to have ties to Teratech as independent contractors, although the company’s CEO has yet to confirm this.
The Legal Proceedings
The three deported immigrants were Chinese nationals who did not have official entry records into the country. Paraguayan authorities and Interpol believe the men illegally entered through Brazil or Bolivia. The other person arrested, Nahun María Velázquez Garcete, is a legal resident in Paraguay but is believed to be part of a criminal organization.
Garcete has been charged with aggravated theft and is currently in pretrial detention. The arrested individual was hospitalized in critical condition soon after the arrest, but the injuries sustained weren’t disclosed. Paraguayan officials believe other individuals were involved in the attempted theft and are working to identify those people. As such, the case is still under investigation.
The Undocumented Immigrants’ Background
Rolón believes the undocumented immigrants had been in Paraguay for several months and had come to work as programmers. However, it isn’t clear whether that work was performed for the company. Paraguayan officials are waiting on a report from Teratech’s CEO to determine the exact nature of his relationship with the three men.
The Significance of Paraguay as a Crypto Mining Hub
Paraguay is considered well-suited for crypto mining operations due to its abundant renewable energy resources, much of which is underutilized. The Itaipu dam has become a popular site for miners to set up, as it supplies all of Paraguay’s local electricity needs and leaves a large amount of excess electricity to tap into.
The country’s favorable conditions have attracted many crypto mining companies, including Hive Digital, which has partnered with local companies to establish a low-cost energy partnership in the region. This partnership aims to reduce Hive’s carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources to power its mining operations.
Lessons Learned
The incident in Paraguay serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the security of cryptocurrency mining operations. It also highlights the need for countries to take a firm stance against illegal activities and to protect the interests of their citizens.
The case also underscores the growing importance of Paraguay as a crypto mining hub. The country’s abundant renewable energy resources and favorable business environment make it an attractive location for mining companies. However, the incident also highlights the need for companies to ensure the security of their operations and to take measures to prevent illegal activities.
