Bitmain sues Orb Energy over Bitcoin theft and miner damage

Bitmain has accused Orb Energy of diverting 99 BTC and damaging 2,700 Antminer units worth $5.5M in a Texas bankruptcy case.

Bitmain files emergency motion in Texas court

Chinese mining giant Bitmain has filed an emergency motion in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The company is seeking to reclaim 2,700 Antminer servers, valued at more than $5.5 million, from Orb Energy. Bitmain says the machines remain its property under a Hosting Sale Agreement and should not be part of Orb’s Chapter 11 estate.

According to Bitmain, Orb Energy began diverting mining rewards in December 2024, redirecting payouts to wallets controlled by CEO Jamieson Zaniewski. The alleged misappropriation exceeded 99 BTC, worth around $10 million.

Allegations of fraud, threats, and equipment damage

Bitmain claims Orb’s CEO sold thousands of Bitcoin in 2025 while concealing wallet addresses and transaction records. The company also says Orb blocked access to its Texas facility, erected barriers, and even posted signage suggesting threats of deadly force.

Further accusations include installing unauthorized firmware that disabled safety systems, causing irreparable damage to hundreds of miners. Bitmain also alleges Orb dissipated proceeds through insider loans, including $25,000 to the CEO and $80,000 to an officer.

Case continues under Judge Alfredo Pérez

Bitmain terminated its hosting agreement in July 2025 and now seeks confirmation that its property is not subject to the Chapter 11 stay. Alternatively, it requests relief to protect its assets. The bankruptcy case is being overseen by Judge Alfredo Pérez in Galveston.