Paraguayan police deported three 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.
On May 15, Prosecutor Irene Rolón confirmed that the men had no entry records in Paraguay. Authorities suspect they entered the country illegally through Brazil or Bolivia, with help from others.
The deported individuals are Jinping Duan, Tian Jianyun, and Zheng Guanglong. They were removed from Paraguay for involvement in the attempted crypto mining theft. The action follows rising concerns about crypto mining crime near energy-rich areas like the Itaipu dam.
Fourth Suspect Faces Theft Charges After Crypto Mining Attempt
A fourth person, Nahun María Velázquez Garcete, was arrested at the scene. He is a legal resident of Paraguay. Authorities charged him with aggravated theft.
He was hospitalized in critical condition after the arrest. Officials have not shared details about his injuries. He remains in pretrial detention.
According to the investigation, Velázquez may be part of a criminal group targeting mining equipment. Officials believe more people may have helped plan the attempted crypto mining theft. The case remains under investigation.
Prosecutors Examine 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. However, confirmation is pending.
Law enforcement is waiting for a statement from Teratech SA’s CEO. This will clarify whether the suspects had any formal work ties with the crypto mining firm.
Officials believe the men had stayed in Paraguay for several months. Their presence near 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 supplies Paraguay with more energy than it consumes. This makes 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, especially around Coronel Bogado and other nearby regions.
According to officials, these facilities often contain imported mining hardware worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The equipment is stored on-site, sometimes in 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 movements and activities of the suspects. Travel routes and communications are also being reviewed.
