In a bold move to crack down on illegal Bitcoin mining activities, the government of Paraguay has put forward a bill that could see offenders facing up to 10 years in jail. This drastic measure comes as a response to the increasing prevalence of unauthorized Bitcoin mining operations that have been causing significant disruptions to the country’s energy infrastructure.
Proposed by the presidential spokesperson Paula Carro, the bill aims to impose severe penalties on those found guilty of engaging in illegal Bitcoin mining activities. Carro emphasized the urgency of the situation and stressed the importance of swift action to address the issue. The bill not only seeks to deter illegal mining but also aims to protect the state-owned National Electricity Administration (ANDE) from the detrimental effects of energy theft by unauthorized miners.
Under the provisions of the bill, illegal Bitcoin miners could face lengthy prison terms, with courts authorized to impose a maximum sentence of up to a decade for the crime of energy theft. Additionally, the bill grants the Paraguayan police and prosecutors the power to seize mining equipment from illegal operators, further strengthening the government’s stance against unauthorized mining activities.
The rampant growth of Bitcoin mining in Paraguay, fueled by the country’s abundant hydroelectric resources, has attracted a surge of miners seeking to capitalize on the favorable energy conditions. However, this influx has also led to a rise in illicit connections to the power grid, causing strains on the infrastructure and disrupting the operations of ANDE, the primary power provider in the country.
In response to these challenges, the authorities have escalated their enforcement efforts, with police conducting raids on illegal mining farms and seizing thousands of ASIC miners since the beginning of the year. The crackdown on unauthorized mining operations has prompted a wave of legislative activity, with lawmakers considering measures to regulate and control the burgeoning Bitcoin mining industry.
Notably, a private member’s bill proposing a temporary ban on Bitcoin mining until the issue of illegal operations is resolved has garnered support from several legislators. However, the fate of this bill remains uncertain, especially in light of the government’s own proposal to prosecute illegal miners and confiscate their equipment.
The government’s bill has garnered widespread support from key institutions, including the Public Ministry, ANDE, and the Paraguayan Judiciary, signaling a united front against the threat posed by unauthorized Bitcoin mining activities. Carro emphasized the substantial financial losses incurred by power providers due to illegal mining practices, underscoring the urgent need for stringent measures to curb this illicit activity.
As Paraguay grapples with the challenges posed by unauthorized Bitcoin mining, the government’s decisive action to tackle this issue underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment to safeguarding the country’s energy infrastructure. With the prospect of severe penalties for illegal miners, coupled with robust enforcement measures, Paraguay is sending a clear message that unauthorized activities in the cryptocurrency sector will not be tolerated.
