Batu Pahat crypto mining outfit busted over electricity theft

BATU PAHAT: A cryptocurrency mining centre here that has been running on stolen electricity has been busted by the cops.

Batu Pahat OCPD Asst Comm Ismail Dollah said that the rented building in Taman Flora Utama was raided following a police report filed by its owner on Thursday (Sept 22).

“The owner said that the building that was rented out was left unlocked and its wiring had also been modified by the tenant.

“Following the report, police from the Batu Pahat headquarters raided the building and found several cryptocurrency mining machines that were still running.

“It was also found that the operation had caused losses worth about RM150,000 to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) due to electricity theft,” he said in a statement here on Friday (Sept 23).

He added that a total of 32 cryptocurrency mining machines, an internet router and a computer worth about RM32,000 in total were also seized during the raid.

“We would like to remind property owners to be careful when renting out their premises to any individuals or company,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 37 (3) of the Electricity Supply Act 1990 and Sections 370 and 427 of the Penal Code.