Johor Police Bust Bitcoin Mining Syndicate Using Stolen TNB Electricity
Johor police have busted a syndicate involved in illegal bitcoin mining using electricity stolen from Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB). The operation, code-named Ops Letrik, was carried out by the Johor contingent police headquarters' criminal investigation department (D4) and TNB's southern region SEAL team. Three local men were arrested in connection with the syndicate, which had been operating for about a month.
The suspects used direct tapping connections to bypass legitimate TNB electricity meters, allowing their bitcoin mining operations to run without paying bills. The utility company estimated its losses at RM67,502.30 over the roughly one-month period. The four premises raided included three residential homes and one shop-house, rented for between RM5,000 to RM6,000 per month each.
The suspects are believed to have generated profits of between RM80,000 and RM100,000 per month, with each suspect paid around RM5,000 a month. The case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief and Section 37(1) of the Electricity Supply Act 1990 for interfering with or altering electrical installations.