Malaysian Authorities Bust Rogue Bitcoin Mining Ring—Because Stealing Electricity is Still a Crime
Police in Malaysia just cut power to an underground crypto operation—literally. Raids uncovered a warehouse rigged with hijacked electrical lines feeding rows of ASIC miners, all humming away at someone else’s expense.
Energy theft meets digital gold rush: While Bitcoin’s hash rate soars globally, this crew tried mining on the cheap—until getting caught with their hands in the grid. Local officials estimate millions in stolen electricity (and zero taxes paid, naturally).
The takeaway? Even in crypto’s wild west, old-school rules still apply. Turns out utilities don’t accept ’HODL’ as payment.
$96,662 mining activities in the Hulu Terengganu and Marang regions. The crackdown was reported as part of security measures against unlawful activities in these northeastern areas of Malaysia.
ContentsBitcoin OperationIllegal Cryptocurrency Mining
Bitcoin Operation
The authorities conducted extensive investigations at two different locations in Bukit Perpat, Hulu Terengganu, and Wakaf Tapai, Marang. During the operation, approximately 45 Bitcoin mining devices were confiscated, valued at around $52,145. Among the seized equipment were additional tools used for illegal mining activities.
It was revealed that the police coordinated the operation with the Special Engagement Against Losses (SEAL) unit of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). No arrests were reported during the operation.
Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin, Chief of Police in Terengganu, noted an in-depth investigation into illegal activities.
Illegal Cryptocurrency Mining
The operation revealed that the confiscated mining equipment involved an estimated monthly electricity theft worth approximately $8,342 (RM36,000). Authorities specified that the crime operated by diverting electricity from both residential and commercial sources. The ongoing investigation aims to detect wider illegal energy usage.
Malaysia enforces stringent penalties against the illegal use of communication and energy resources. Under existing legal frameworks, those convicted of such crimes face up to five years of imprisonment and heavy fines. Similar operations in the past led to the destruction of 985 illegal mining devices.
The investigation related to this operation is expected to broaden upon completion of the legal process. Authorities emphasize the importance of increasing collaboration and oversight to prevent illegal activities.
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