Paraguayan Authorities Foil Cryptocurrency Mining Heist, Arrest Four Chinese Nationals

Paraguayan law enforcement successfully thwarted an attempted heist at a cryptocurrency mining operation in Coronel Bogado, a town in Paraguay. The incident occurred on May 15, when authorities received a tip about suspicious activity at a secured room within the mining facility. Upon investigation, they discovered four Chinese nationals inside the locked section, which housed computer servers used for crypto mining.

The individuals, who did not speak Spanish, were identified as being from mainland China through digital translation tools and documentation. Authorities requested access to their passports and found that three of them had entered the country illegally. Interpol agents were summoned, confirming that the group had entered Paraguay through Bolivia and Brazil without proper legal entry records.

One of the suspects was hospitalized in critical condition but later transferred to a general ward. The reason for his hospitalization was not disclosed by authorities. Investigators have not yet been able to conduct a full interview with him to determine the group’s precise objective. Preliminary findings suggest that the group aimed to steal the facility’s servers and other computing hardware, as part of a broader pattern targeting high-value electronic equipment.

Paraguayan authorities have deported three of the suspects and arrested the fourth. The criminal investigation remains active, with the Public Ministry coordinating efforts with Interpol and immigration authorities to identify and locate additional individuals linked to the attempted theft. Preliminary data may assist in tracking down the remaining suspects.

The four individuals claimed to have been working as programmers for the company operating the mining facility. However, their employment status remains under investigation due to lack of proper documentation. The employer has been asked to provide relevant paperwork to substantiate the employment relationship. The expulsion process for the undocumented individuals began immediately after their arrest, and the outcome of ongoing interviews and document review will determine their legal status and any further charges related to the attempted theft.