IPOH: More than 100 cryptocurrency mining rigs, believed to be linked to electricity theft, have been seized by the police at several locations in Teluk Intan.
Hilir Perak OCPD Asst Comm Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin said the police seized 66 of the machines at several homes in Taman Lagenda last Wednesday (Nov 5), with 40 more confiscated on Saturday (Nov 8).
“Based on a tip-off and our investigation, we conducted a special raid with Tenaga Nasional Bhd and Cyber Security Malaysia in the housing area from 2pm to 6.30pm.
“We found several rooms at the respective premises have been modified to house the mining rigs,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Nov 9).
“We also found illegal electricity connections,” he said, adding that several modems and equipment used in the mining operation were also seized.
ACP Dr Bakri said following the operation, on Saturday at about 11pm, the police arrested eight men, aged 17 to 44, who were believed to be involved in the mining operation.
“During the arrests, we seized 40 more mining rigs and three four-wheel drive vehicles,” he said.
“All of them have confessed to being involved in the crypto mining operation.
“Further checks found that five of the eight men have various criminal records,” he added.
ACP Dr Bakri said the case would be investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for causing mischief and damages and Section 37 of the Electricity Supply Act for tampering with electrical installations.
“All have been remanded until Tuesday (Nov 11) to facilitate investigation.
“Under Section 427, those found guilty can be jailed up to two years or fined or both,” he said.
“Under the Electricity Supply Act, those found guilty can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed up to 10 years or both,” he added.
ACP Dr Bakri stated that the police are committed to tackling illegal electricity connections.
“This is not only an offence, but can also be a fire risk, causing damage to electrical systems and threatening the safety of the local community.
“We urge those with information about illegal electrical connections to inform the police or TNB so that we can stop these acts,” he added.