The government of Paraguay has taken a firm stance against illegal Bitcoin mining by proposing a bill that would jail offenders for up to 10 years. The presidential spokesperson, Paula Carro, announced the urgency of the bill and emphasized the need to punish illegal miners with hefty prison sentences. The draft law also includes provisions for seizing mining equipment from illegal operators, aiming to protect the state-owned National Electricity Administration (ANDE) from energy theft caused by illegal Bitcoin mining activities.
Despite Paraguay’s abundant power resources, BTC miners have faced challenges in operating legally within the country. The surge in illegal connections to power grids by miners has led to overloads and other issues for power providers. As a response, the police have conducted raids and seized thousands of ASIC miners. The government’s efforts to crack down on illegal mining activities have garnered support from key entities such as the Public Ministry, ANDE, and the Paraguayan Judiciary.
In light of the escalating issue of illegal Bitcoin mining, lawmakers in Paraguay have been actively involved in proposing legislation to address the problem. A private member’s bill aiming to temporarily halt BTC mining until the issue of illegal activities is resolved has been backed by 14 lawmakers. However, the government’s bill, with the support of key organizations, may overshadow this private bill and lead to stricter penalties for illegal miners. The central bank’s decision to maintain the benchmark interest rate reflects concerns about rising uncertainty in global markets.
The consequences of illegal BTC mining activities have been significant, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for Paraguayan power providers. The theft of energy by illegal operators not only poses a threat to ANDE but also undermines the country’s efforts to regulate the mining industry. With ongoing raids and legislative measures, the government is determined to curb illegal mining practices and protect the integrity of the state-owned power resources.
The crackdown on illegal Bitcoin mining in Paraguay highlights the government’s commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding the country’s energy infrastructure. By proposing stringent penalties and seizing mining equipment from offenders, Paraguay aims to deter illegal mining activities and promote lawful practices within the Bitcoin mining industry. With the support of key stakeholders and legislative measures in place, the government is taking decisive steps to combat the challenges posed by illegal mining operations.
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