Homeland Security thinks Chinese firm's Bitcoin mining chips could be used for espionage or to sabotage the power grid — Bitmain probed by U.S. gov't over national security concerns

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is investigating Chinese manufacturer Bitmain's crypto mining rigs over potential national security risks, suspecting they could be used for espionage or power grid sabotage. The investigation, dubbed "Operation Red Sunset," involves dismantling and testing the machines to determine if they can be remotely accessed by Beijing. Bitmain, controlling 80% of the mining rig market, denies the accusations and states compliance with U.S. laws. Geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China have heightened scrutiny on Chinese tech companies, impacting Bitmain's operations.