Malaysian law enforcement, working alongside the Special Engagement Against Losses (SEAL) unit of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), has successfully dismantled a large-scale illegal Bitcoin mining operation in the Terengganu region.
According to official press release, the operation, codenamed Op Letrik, targeted two locations in Bukit Perpat, Hulu Terengganu, and Wakaf Tapai, Marang.
These premises were discovered to be centers for unauthorized crypto mining activity, where the syndicate had allegedly been stealing electricity to power 45 mining machines.
The equipment, valued at approximately RM225,000 (around $83,410 USD), was seized during coordinated raids, along with a range of auxiliary devices that supported the clandestine setup.
Syndicate Hid Operations Within Residential and Commercial Areas
Authorities revealed that the syndicate strategically operated out of both residential and commercial buildings to evade detection.
According to Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin, the perpetrators manipulated internal wiring systems to illegally tap into the electrical grid, bypassing meters to avoid payment.
The method allowed the syndicate to operate under the radar while causing monthly losses of around RM36,000 (about $7,000 USD) to TNB.
The level of sophistication involved highlights the evolving tactics of illicit crypto mining operations in Malaysia, which continue to pose a significant threat to national energy infrastructure.
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No Arrests Yet, But Legal Repercussions Are Underway
Although the raids were successful in halting the illegal mining activity and recovering the equipment, no arrests have been made so far.
The confiscated machinery and tools have been transported to the district police headquarters for forensic examination.
Authorities have initiated legal proceedings under Sections 379 and 427 of the Penal Code, dealing with theft and property damage, as well as Section 37 of the Electricity Supply Act 1990.
If caught and convicted, those responsible could face prison sentences of up to five years, fines reaching RM100,000, or both.
Police investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying the individuals behind the criminal enterprise.
Part of a Wider Crackdown on Crypto-Related Crimes in Malaysia
This case forms part of a broader national effort to clamp down on illegal cryptocurrency activities, which are becoming increasingly prevalent due to the high energy demands of mining.
Criminal groups often resort to electricity theft to cut operational costs and increase profits.
Malaysian authorities have also been tackling other crypto-related crimes, such as a recent case involving a $1.2 million ransom paid in cryptocurrency during a kidnapping.
These incidents highlight the growing intersection of digital assets and illicit activity.
Cooperation between law enforcement and crypto platforms like Binance has intensified, aiming to curb both financial crime and the misuse of cryptocurrencies in Malaysia’s digital economy.
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