IPOH – In a coordinated effort with the national power company, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), law enforcement officials confiscated 61 devices used for Bitcoin mining in the Manjung area yesterday. The operation targeted nine distinct locations throughout the district, acting on suspicions of electricity pilfering.
According to ACP Hasbullah Abdul Rahman, the head of Manjung’s police force, the joint operation was the result of intelligence gathered through observation by the Criminal Investigation Division at the Manjung Police Headquarters (IPD), alongside a TNB technical team. This collaboration followed reports concerning unauthorized siphoning of electricity.
“The coordinated raids resulted in the confiscation of 61 cryptocurrency mining units, along with nine Wi-Fi modems, nine network routers, and assorted cables and related hardware,” he stated.
“Initial findings suggest these locations were engaged in Bitcoin mining operations, achieved through unauthorized electrical hookups. These illegal connections have caused considerable financial damages to TNB,” he clarified in a press release today.
He further noted that TNB estimates electricity losses at each site to be several thousand Ringgit monthly due to the illegal mining operations.
“These mining machines are constantly running, necessitating extremely high energy consumption, which then disrupts the regular power grid in the vicinity,” he explained.
“Such activity is not just unlawful; it also presents a significant fire hazard and danger to people and property. The electrical systems at these locations have been modified illegally and lack proper safety validation,” he emphasized.
The seized equipment has been transported to the Manjung IPD for processing. The case is currently under investigation according to Section 427 of the Penal Code, which covers acts of vandalism, including electricity theft, and Section 37(1) of the Electricity Supply Act of 1990, addressing unlawful interference with electrical infrastructure.
The police urge anyone possessing relevant details to contact the Manjung IPD at 05-688 6222, reach out via the WhatsApp tip line at 017-682 8005, or report to their nearest local police station.