Authorities detained several individuals for their involvement in illegally acquiring electrical supply for crypto mining. - PMO
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bullletin/Asia News Network): Syndicates of organised crime involved in illegally acquiring electrical supply to carry out cryptocurrency mining were uncovered and brought down by the Department of Electrical Services (DES), Autoriti Elektrik Negara Brunei Darussalam, Attorney General’s Chambers, Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Internal Security Department, Royal Customs and Excise Department and Fire and Rescue Department through the whole-of-government approach.
The syndicates’ activities are deemed as undermining and disrespecting Brunei Darussalam’s laws.
Through joint operations, several individuals were arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act, Chapter 133.
Meanwhile, the RBPF is investigating several others for their involvement in the activities.
The DES will continue to monitor and carry out inspections as the activities by these syndicates have also resulted in the public being exposed to the risk of fire, disruption of electricity supply, causing losses to the government and potentially causing damage to government infrastructure.
Acts with the intention of illegally obtaining electricity supply by diverting wiring from the meter, interfering and tampering with electrical meter and bypassing the electrical wiring of the meter is an offence under the Electricity Act, Chapter 71 which can be fined not more than BND50,000 or imprisoned for a period not exceeding three years or both.
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