In a shocking revelation, employees of Paraguay's National Power Administration (ANDE) have been accused of setting up illegal bitcoin mining farms across the country. According to local sources, seven engineers from the institution have been installing bitcoin farms, sparking a probe by the prosecutor's office. The investigation has been launched with ANDE's cooperation, and the institution's president, Felix Sosa, has assured that an internal audit is underway.

The allegations suggest that ANDE employees have been involved in organizing and deploying illegal bitcoin mining farms, which has raised concerns about corruption within the institution. Joaquin Morinigo, founder and CEO of Cryptopy, a bitcoin and blockchain consulting agency, has stated that these allegations are not new and that reports of corrupt ANDE officials asking for bribes and extorting money have existed since 2018. Morinigo has also highlighted that ANDE has a structural corruption problem.

The Paraguayan government has been promoting bitcoin mining as a way to utilize the country's energy resources, but this scandal has cast a shadow over the industry. ANDE has been battling illegal bitcoin mining connections since December, having disconnected over 70 farms that were siphoning unmetered power directly from the grid. However, industry insiders have criticized the institution's approach, stating that other issues, such as "vulture contracts," have caused more economic damage to the industry.

The investigation into ANDE employees' involvement in illegal bitcoin mining farms is ongoing, and the outcome could have significant implications for the institution and the bitcoin mining industry in Paraguay. As the probe continues, it remains to be seen whether the allegations will lead to criminal charges and what measures will be taken to address corruption within ANDE.

In conclusion, the allegations against ANDE employees have raised concerns about corruption and illegal activities in Paraguay's bitcoin mining industry. As the investigation unfolds, it is essential to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The Paraguayan government must also address the structural corruption problem within ANDE to restore trust in the institution and promote a healthy and sustainable bitcoin mining industry.