U.S. Investigates Bitmain Technology for Potential Security Risks

According to Foresight News, U.S. investigators are evaluating whether products from Bitmain Technology, a Beijing-based company, pose espionage or sabotage risks. Bitmain denies any such risks. Last year, a federal review highlighted significant national security concerns over the use of Bitmain's equipment near military bases. In July, a Senate Intelligence Committee report mentioned the company again, suggesting its devices could be manipulated by China, presenting several troubling vulnerabilities to the U.S. A U.S. official and six other informed sources revealed that Bitmain's hardware is central to a federal investigation named 'Operation Red Sunset.' Led by agents from the Department of Homeland Security, the investigation aims to determine if these machines can be remotely controlled for espionage or to disrupt the U.S. power grid. The official and sources, who requested anonymity to discuss the undisclosed investigation, noted that investigators have disassembled Bitmain machines to test for malicious functions in their chips and code. They declined to disclose any specific findings. Additionally, investigators are examining potential tariff and import tax violations. In an email statement, Bitmain asserted that claims of the company remotely controlling its machines from China are "absolutely false." The company emphasized its strict compliance with U.S. and relevant laws and regulations, stating it has never engaged in activities that threaten U.S. national security.