Paraguayan authorities have deported three Chinese nationals following their arrest in connection with an attempted theft at a cryptocurrency mining facility near the Itaipu hydroelectric dam. The suspects were apprehended after illegally entering a restricted area operated by Teratech SA, a crypto mining company based in Coronel Bogado.
According to a statement issued on May 15 by Prosecutor Irene Rolón, the men infiltrated the site with the apparent intent to steal mining hardware. Law enforcement officers intervened swiftly, leading to their immediate arrest. Authorities later confirmed that the individuals—Jinping Duan, Tian Jianyun, and Zheng Guanglong—had no official immigration records and are believed to have entered Paraguay unlawfully, likely via Brazil or Bolivia.
Investigators are now exploring whether the suspects had any prior ties to Teratech, possibly as freelance contractors or unauthorized technicians. The company has yet to release a public statement clarifying the nature of their involvement.
The incident has reignited concerns about security vulnerabilities across Paraguay’s booming crypto mining sector. With its abundant and low-cost hydroelectric power, Paraguay has become a regional hotspot for digital asset infrastructure, but that growth has also made it a target for criminal exploitation.
Fourth Suspect Hospitalized as Plot Expands
In addition to the three deportations, Paraguayan police have detained a fourth suspect believed to be connected to the attempted equipment theft. The man, identified as Nahun María Velázquez Garcete, is a Paraguayan national suspected of links to an organized crime network targeting high-value crypto mining operations.
Velázquez has been charged with aggravated theft and remains in pretrial detention. He was hospitalized shortly after his arrest in critical condition, though details surrounding his injuries remain unclear.
Authorities say the attempted heist at Teratech’s Coronel Bogado facility may have involved additional accomplices. Investigators are pursuing leads to identify other potential members of the operation, suggesting a broader criminal scheme exploiting the country’s fast-growing mining industry.
Illegal Work Suspected at Crypto Mining Facility
Prosecutors suspect the three deported Chinese nationals may have been operating illegally at the mining facility for months before the failed heist. Prosecutor Irene Rolón stated that the men likely posed as programmers or tech contractors, though no formal employment records have been found.
Authorities are awaiting an official statement from Teratech SA’s CEO to clarify whether the company had any direct or indirect ties to the individuals. If it is determined that they were hired without proper documentation, the company could face further scrutiny over labor practices and site security protocols.
As Paraguay continues to attract foreign investment in its crypto sector, officials warn that gaps in oversight and labor regulation could leave mining operations vulnerable to fraud, theft, and infiltration.
Quick Facts
- Paraguay deported three Chinese nationals tied to an attempted crypto mining heist.
- The suspects entered Teratech SA’s site illegally and tried to steal hardware.
- A fourth suspect, a Paraguayan national, was hospitalized after being arrested.
- Investigators believe the suspects may have worked at the site illegally for months.
