Malaysia Cracks Down on Illicit Bitcoin Mining Operation Seizing 73 Rigs

Malaysian authorities have cracked down on an illicit Bitcoin mining operation, seizing 73 rigs and arresting two men. The raid, dubbed 'Op Elektrik,' targeted three properties in Tronoh, where investigators discovered unauthorized electricity connections powering the mining equipment.

The operation, which involved police and Tenaga Nasional Berhad's (TNB) SEAL Team, found that each of the three premises had been used for Bitcoin mining. Technical examinations confirmed electricity theft at two abandoned houses, while the third property was an unoccupied house.

Police say the mining equipment was connected through illegal power supply lines rather than legitimate metered connections. The suspects, aged 40 and 52, have been remanded for three days to facilitate further investigations.

This crackdown follows similar raids in Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur linked to electricity theft across Malaysia. Authorities are urging residents to report suspicious activities related to electricity theft or unauthorized cryptocurrency mining.