Kofi Mensah An illicit cryptocurrency mining operation, accused of stealing electricity, was discovered within a shophouse in Marina Square, Miri, Malaysia. The operation was exposed following a public tip-off, leading to a successful joint operation by Sarawak police and the Sarawak Energy plant.
Malaysia’s Sarawak Power Plant and Police Take Down Unauthorized Cryptocurrency Mining Base in Miri
The state power provider, Sarawak Energy, along with local law enforcement agencies, announced the shutdown of a suspected illegal cryptocurrency mining base established in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. During the operation, authorities seized approximately 34 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) miners along with their corresponding connections.
“All the tools involved in the mining activity, including the direct tapping cables and servers, have been confiscated. A formal complaint has been registered with the police and an ongoing investigation is in process,” commented Sarawak Energy.
Image source: Sarawak Energy and theborneopost.com.
Electricity prices in Malaysia are relatively lower than in other regions worldwide, leading to an increased number of electricity theft incidents in recent years, according to Sarawak Energy. The particular operation in question is estimated to have cost the power plant RM6,000 per month ($1,317).
“Siphoning off electricity is a grave offence under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, and those found guilty could face a fine of up to RM100,000 or a five-year jail term,” Sarawak Energy cautioned. Malaysian officials have recently taken action against three other power theft incidents linked to cryptocurrency mines in Senadin.
Allegedly, 137 ASIC machines were confiscated from these locations while the authorities continue their investigations. Back in February 2021, Malaysian officials arrested seven people for stealing electricity worth $2.15 million to mine Bitcoin. In July 2021, the officials destroyed Bitcoin mining equipment valued at over $1.2 million after seizing it from an illegal operation.
During the same period, officials in Miri City, Sarawak seized 1,069 rigs from miners who were charged with stealing electricity for their mining activities. According to a report released on July 27, Sarawak Energy has the necessary equipment and meter inspection teams to detect such offenses, including underground direct tapping and tampered meters.
The report also mentioned that the power company highly appreciates public input and encourages residents to continue reporting any suspicious activities to the Sarawak Energy customer service center.
What’s your perspective on the cryptocurrency mining operation shutdown in Miri? Please share your thoughts and viewpoints on this issue in the comments section below.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Illegal Crypto Mining Operation
Where was the illegal crypto mining operation discovered?
The illicit cryptocurrency mining operation was discovered in a shophouse in Marina Square, Miri, Malaysia.
Who were involved in the busting of the illegal operation?
The illegal operation was busted by a joint operation between Sarawak police and Sarawak Energy plant.
What equipment was seized from the illegal mining operation?
Approximately 34 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) miners and their related connections, including the direct tapping cables and servers, were seized.
What are the penalties for electricity theft in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, electricity theft is a serious offence under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of up to RM100,000 and/or five years’ jail if found guilty.
How was the illegal operation detected?
The operation was exposed following a tip-off from the public. Sarawak Energy also has the necessary tools and meter inspection teams to detect such thefts. They encourage locals to continue reporting any suspicious activity.
How much did the illegal operation cost the energy plant?
The specific case is estimated to have cost the Sarawak Energy plant RM6,000 per month ($1,317).
6 comments
These illegal operations give the whole crypto community a bad rep 🙁 We’re not all like that, I promise!
Wow, that’s a lot of stolen electricity! Good on the authorities for cracking down on these illegal operations, I’d hate to see the impact on the power grid if this continued unchecked…
i’m surprised ppl still try this in a world of advanced tech. you know they’re gonna catch u eventually.
hey! crypto mining is a legit business but stealing electricity?? thats just wrong… get a legal setup guys!
You see, this is why regulations in the crypto space are important, not to kill innovation but to prevent these kinds of illegal activities!
Stealing electricity for crypto mining, it’s not just illegal, it’s also so bad for the environment. Glad to see they were caught.