Deportation and Arrest of Suspects in Cryptocurrency Equipment Theft
In a significant action taken by Paraguayan authorities, three Chinese nationals have been deported, while a fourth individual has been arrested in connection with the attempted theft of cryptocurrency mining equipment from a facility close to the Itaipu hydroelectric dam. The incident unfolded at the Teratech SA site in Coronel Bogado, where police apprehended the suspects shortly after they illegally entered a secured area of the facility.
Details of the Arrests
Prosecutor Irene Rolón reported that the detained individuals—identified as Jinping Duan, Tian Jianyun, and Zheng Guanglong—lacked proper entry documents for Paraguay. Investigations suggest they may have crossed into the country illegally from Brazil or Bolivia. There is speculation that they might have worked as independent contractors for Teratech, although confirmation from the company’s CEO is still pending.
Fourth Suspect and Broader Implications
The fourth suspect, Nahun María Velázquez Garcete, who is a legal resident of Paraguay, has been charged with aggravated theft and remains in pretrial custody. Following his arrest, he was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but the nature of his injuries has not been disclosed.
Authorities suspect that Velázquez Garcete is associated with a broader criminal network, and investigations are ongoing to identify additional individuals involved in the attempted theft. Prosecutor Rolón mentioned that the trio of deportees might have been in Paraguay for several months, potentially working as programmers, although there is no confirmation regarding their employment with Teratech.
The Crypto Mining Context in Paraguay
The Itaipu dam, celebrated for its substantial renewable energy output, has become a hotspot for crypto mining operations due to its capacity to meet local electricity demands while providing surplus energy. Paraguay’s favorable conditions for such activities are leading to increased interest in the region’s crypto-mining potential.
