Latam Insights Encore: Paraguay Anti-Bitcoin Mining Stance Is a Net Negative for the Nation’s Development

Welcome To Latam Insights Encore, a deep view of Latin America’s most relevant economic and cryptocurrency-based news last week. In this edition, we examine the possible outcomes of the war that Paraguay is waging on illegal (and now legal) bitcoin mining operators, and how this might make the country lose millions of dollars as miners … Read more

Corruption in Paraguay: Senator States Illegal Bitcoin Mining Farms Pay up to $500,000 to Operate Underground

Salyn Buzarquis, a Paraguayan senator, blasted the National Power Administration of Paraguay (ANDE), stating that high-ranking officials charged illegal bitcoin mining farms for operating underground. Buzarquis stated these unnamed officials collected up to $500,000 in bribes monthly and called for the resignation or interrogation of ANDE’s President Felix Sosa on this matter. Senator States National … Read more

Paraguay Raises Bitcoin Mining Power Fees by 14%, Companies Mull Stopping Operations

The National Power Administration of Paraguay (ANDE) has surprised cryptocurrency mining operators by raising power fees by 14%, affecting the profitability of these activities. The rise have already caused the exit of a company that planned to invest over $400 million in the country due to the lack of clarity in the area. Paraguay Raises … Read more

National Power Administration ANDE Employees Allegedly Involved in Setting up Illegal Bitcoin Mining Farms in Paraguay

National Power Administration (ANDE) employees have been accused of participating directly in setting up illegal bitcoin mining farms in Paraguay. According to local sources, seven engineers of the institution would have been installing bitcoin farms across the country as the prosecutor’s office is carrying out this investigation with ANDE’s cooperation. Seven ANDE Engineers Involved in … Read more

Paraguayan Authorities Shut Down 2,700 Miners in Largest Anti-Illegal Bitcoin Mining Intervention to Date

Paraguayan authorities detected and shut down an illegal bitcoin mining farm that had over 2,700 miners connected directly to the country’s power grid. The operation, carried out in the city of Saltos de Guaira and situated near a national power facility, was deemed by authorities as the largest operation of its kind. Paraguayan Authorities Bust … Read more

Paraguay Cracks Down on Illegal Bitcoin Mining: Over 550 Miners Seized

Paraguayan authorities have intensified their efforts to fight illegal bitcoin mining, using innovative techniques including artificial intelligence (AI) and its distribution systems to detect these activities. In less than a week, two new illegal bitcoin mining operations have been closed with over 550 miners seized, causing undetermined damages to the National Power Administration (ANDE). Paraguay … Read more

Bitcoin Miner Bitfarms Enhances Paraguay Facility With New 100 MW Hydropower Deal

On Tuesday, bitcoin mining company Bitfarms, listed on the Nasdaq and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), announced it has secured an additional 100 megawatts (MW) of power from Paraguay’s state-owned utility firm, ANDE. The 100 MW is anticipated to double the capacity of the hydro-powered Yguazu site and should be fully operational by 2025. Bitfarms to … Read more

Paraguay to Strengthen Measures to Fight Illegal Cryptocurrency Mining

The Government of Paraguay will strengthen the measures directed to combat the illegal cryptocurrency mining operations in the country. In a recent meeting, ANDE, the National Power Administration, the Supreme Court, and the Department of Justice, agreed to deal with these crimes swiftly given the damages they cause to the Paraguayan power grid. Paraguay Prepares … Read more

Paraguayan Cryptocurrency Law Shelved After Presidential Veto

The cryptocurrency and mining law that the Paraguayan Congress passed in June was finally shelved on Dec. 5. The document, which sought to bring order to crypto mining and exchange activities in Paraguay, was ultimately dropped after failing to obtain the votes needed to reject the presidential veto it received. Paraguayan Crypto Law Dropped After … Read more