
Paraguayan authorities recently foiled an attempted theft of cryptocurrency miners near the Itaipu hydroelectric dam. Three Chinese nationals, Jinping Duan, Tian Jianyun, and Zheng Guanglong, were deported for their involvement in the crime. They were suspected of breaking into a locked section of Teratech SA's facility in Coronel Bogado.
Nahun María Velázquez Garcete, a legal resident of Paraguay, was also arrested in connection with the attempted theft. He is believed to be part of a criminal organization and has been charged with aggravated theft. Despite being hospitalized in critical condition after the arrest, the specifics of his injuries were not disclosed.
Authorities suspect that the deported individuals may have been working illegally in Paraguay for several months, possibly as programmers. It is unclear whether their work was directly related to Teratech. Prosecutors are awaiting confirmation from the company's CEO to clarify the nature of the men's relationship with the firm.
Paraguay has emerged as an attractive location for cryptocurrency mining operations due to its abundant renewable energy resources, much of which is currently underutilized. The Itaipu dam, which supplies all of Paraguay's local electricity needs and has surplus electricity available, has become a popular site for miners to establish their operations.
The case is still under investigation, as authorities suspect that additional individuals may have been involved in the attempted theft. Paraguayan officials are working to identify any other accomplices in the criminal act.
This incident underscores the growing interest in cryptocurrency mining and the potential risks associated with the industry. As digital currencies continue to gain popularity, the need for heightened security measures to protect mining facilities and infrastructure becomes increasingly crucial.
As the investigation unfolds, Paraguayan law enforcement will continue to collaborate with Interpol and other international agencies to ensure that justice is served in this case. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and regulations in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency sector to prevent illicit activities and safeguard the integrity of the industry.
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