US Launches Secret Probe Into Bitmain Over Security Fears

US authorities are investigating Bitmain over concerns its bitcoin mining equipment could be used for espionage or sabotage. Bitmain denies the allegations, and the probe's findings remain undisclosed.

The US Department of Homeland Security has launched Operation Red Sunset, a confidential investigation into Chinese bitcoin mining equipment manufacturer Bitmain, over concerns that its devices could be manipulated for espionage or sabotage of critical US infrastructure. The probe, which included inspections of Bitmain machines at US ports and analysis of their chips and firmware, ran alongside policy discussions at the White House National Security Council. Officials are particularly concerned about the proximity of Bitmain-equipped mining operations to sensitive sites, such as military bases and data centers. Bitmain has denied any remote-control capabilities in its equipment, rejected allegations of ties to the Chinese government, and stated it fully complies with US laws. No public findings have been released, and the Department of Homeland Security has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. Despite the scrutiny, Bitmain's hardware remains widely used in global bitcoin mining operations, underscoring ongoing tensions between international technology suppliers and US national security priorities.