The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is investigating Bitmain Technologies, the world's largest maker of Bitcoin mining machines.
Officials worry the Chinese company’s equipment could be used to spy on America or attack its power grid.
The secret investigation, called “Operation Red Sunset,” has been running for months. Federal agents have taken apart Bitmain mining machines at U.S. ports to check their computer chips and software for hidden dangers.
What Makes This Investigation Important
Bitmain controls over 80% of the global Bitcoin mining equipment market. Most Bitcoin miners in America use their machines. If these devices have security problems, it could affect the entire Bitcoin network and U.S. infrastructure.
The investigation started after concerns grew about Chinese-owned Bitcoin mines near important U.S. facilities. In May 2024, President Biden blocked a crypto mining facility near a Wyoming nuclear missile base due to national security risks. Other mines operate close to military bases and government data centers.
A Senate Intelligence Committee report in July 2025 warned that Bitmain devices have “several disturbing vulnerabilities.” The report said these machines could be controlled from China and pose “an unacceptable risk” near sensitive U.S. locations.
How the Investigation Works
Federal investigators have been checking Bitmain equipment stopped at U.S. borders. They examine the computer chips and firmware code looking for backdoors or other security flaws. The probe also includes discussions at the White House National Security Council.
Officials have not revealed what they found during these inspections. The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment, only saying the investigation remains active.
The investigation spans both the Biden and Trump administrations. This shows that security concerns about Chinese technology are a bipartisan issue in Washington.
Bitmain’s Past Security Problems
This is not the first time Bitmain has faced security questions. In 2017, researchers found a backdoor in the company’s mining equipment called “Antbleed.” This flaw could shut down up to 70% of all Bitcoin miners remotely.
Bitmain said the backdoor was an incomplete theft-prevention feature. The company fixed the problem but the incident raised lasting concerns about their equipment.
Trump Family Connection Adds Complexity
The investigation has drawn extra attention because of connections to former President Trump’s family. A company called American Bitcoin, backed by Eric and Donald Trump Jr., bought 16,000 Bitmain machines for $314 million in August 2025. The purchase was paid for in Bitcoin through a special contract that avoided Trump administration tariffs.
American Bitcoin says it takes security seriously and found no problems with the equipment. The company conducted its own tests and believes the machines are safe for U.S. infrastructure.
The Trump family’s investment in Bitcoin mining creates potential conflicts of interest. Critics worry that personal business ties could influence government decisions about Chinese technology.
Related Chinese Company Also Under Fire
The security concerns extend beyond Bitmain. In January 2025, the U.S. Commerce Department blacklisted Sophgo Technologies, a company linked to Bitmain’s co-founder. Sophgo was caught helping banned Chinese tech giant Huawei get advanced computer chips illegally.
This connection raises more questions about Bitmain’s ties to the Chinese government and sanctioned companies. U.S. officials worry about a network of Chinese firms working together to bypass American technology restrictions.
Industry Prepares for Changes
The investigation could reshape the Bitcoin mining industry. Chinese companies including Bitmain and MicroBT control about 97% of the global mining equipment market. American companies are rushing to create alternatives to Chinese equipment. Block, formerly known as Square, launched new U.S.-made chips to compete with Bitmain.
Bitmain is also adapting to pressure. The company announced plans to build its first U.S. factory by 2026. This move aims to avoid tariffs and address security concerns by making equipment on American soil. U.S. customs had previously blocked thousands of Bitmain shipments in November 2024 before releasing them in March 2025.
Other Chinese mining equipment makers like MicroBT and Canaan are making similar moves to manufacture in the United States.
The Bigger Picture
The Bitmain investigation reflects growing tensions between the U.S. and China over technology. American officials worry that Chinese companies could use their products to collect intelligence or disrupt critical infrastructure.
Bitcoin mining equipment connects directly to electrical grids and internet networks. This makes the machines potentially useful for cyberattacks or surveillance. With most mining happening in facilities near power plants and data centers, the security risks are significant.
The investigation also highlights how cryptocurrency has become part of national security discussions. As Bitcoin grows more important to the financial system, protecting the network from foreign threats becomes a priority.
When Politics Meets Crypto
The investigation’s outcome could set important rules for cryptocurrency infrastructure. It may determine whether Chinese companies can continue dominating the Bitcoin mining equipment market in America.
The probe shows how quickly the digital currency world has moved from the financial margins to the center of national security debates. What happens next will likely influence both Bitcoin’s future and America’s approach to protecting its technological infrastructure from foreign threats.
