The U.S. government is investigating Bitmain, the world’s largest manufacturer of Bitcoin miners, over fears its machines could be used for espionage or to sabotage critical infrastructure.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is leading the probe, codenamed ‘Operation Red Sunset,’ examining whether Bitmain’s mining rigs can be remotely controlled from China. As part of the investigation, federal agents have intercepted and dismantled Bitmain hardware at U.S. ports to inspect chips and code for malicious capabilities.
Concerns escalated after authorities found clusters of Bitmain miners operating near sensitive sites, including military bases and power grids. A July 2025 Senate Intelligence Committee report previously highlighted ‘disturbing vulnerabilities’ in the company’s devices, calling their presence near key facilities an ‘unacceptable risk.’
Bitmain denies the allegations.
“Bitmain stated it ‘has no awareness of or any information at all regarding any alleged federal investigation purported to be called ‘Operation Red Sunset,” adding that it ‘strictly complies with U.S. and applicable laws and regulations.'”
This probe follows a May 2024 order by then-President Joe Biden to shut down a crypto mine using Bitmain rigs near a nuclear missile base in Wyoming, citing espionage risks. The news has had little immediate impact on the broader market. Read: Bitcoin at $91,306, up 0.06% at press time.
