Paraguayan Police Deport 3 Chinese Nationals After They Tried to Steal Crypto Mining Equipment

The incident happened at a Teratech SA facility near the Itaipu dam. The suspects were caught by police soon after breaking into a locked area.

Paraguayan police deported three Chinese nationals after they were caught trying to steal crypto mining equipment at a Teratech SA facility near the Itaipu dam. The suspects, Jinping Duan, Tian Jianyun, and Zheng Guanglong, were removed from the country.

Their actions come amid rising concerns about crypto mining crime in the region. The Itaipu dam is a major source of energy for Paraguay, and it also provides opportunities for cryptocurrency mining.

Suspects Had No Entry Records in Paraguay

The men's attempted theft was interrupted when police arrived at the scene. The suspects were caught breaking into a locked area.

On May 15, Prosecutor Irene Rolón confirmed that the men had no entry records in Paraguay. It is suspected that they entered the country illegally through Brazil or Bolivia, with the help of others.

Their actions come amid concerns about a rise in crypto mining crime in Paraguay.

Fourth Suspect Arrested, Charged with Aggravated Theft

A fourth person, Nahun María Velázquez Garcete, a legal resident of Paraguay, was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated theft.

He was hospitalized in critical condition after the arrest, while the three men were deported.

According to the investigation, Velázquez may be part of a criminal group that was targeting the mining equipment. Officials believe that more people may have helped plan the attempted crypto mining theft.

The case remains under investigation.

Prosecutors Examining Teratech SA Links With Deported Chinese Nationals

Authorities are reviewing possible ties between Teratech SA and the deported individuals.

Prosecutor Rolón stated that the men may have worked as independent contractors or programmers for the crypto mining firm, but confirmation is pending.

Law enforcement is awaiting a statement from Teratech SA's CEO, which will clarify whether the suspects had any formal work ties with the company.

Officials believe that the men had stayed in Paraguay for several months. Their presence at a major Paraguay crypto mining site has raised further questions about labor and facility access.

Itaipu Dam's Energy Resources Draw Crypto Mining in Paraguay

The Itaipu dam provides Paraguay with more energy than it consumes, making the surrounding region attractive for crypto mining operations.

Companies like Teratech SA have built mining facilities near the dam to use this excess power. The dam is one of the world's largest hydroelectric sources.

This has led to increased crypto mining activity in Paraguay, particularly in Coronel Bogado and other nearby regions.

According to officials, these facilities often contain imported mining hardware valued at several hundred thousand dollars. The equipment is stored on-site, sometimes in more remote or lightly guarded areas.

Paraguayan police and Interpol are investigating if the crypto mining crime is part of a larger pattern. They are tracing the suspects' movements and activities. Travel routes and communications are also being reviewed.