IPOH: Eight men suspected of electricity theft to mine cryptocurrency in residential areas around Teluk Intan have been nabbed.
Hilir Perak OCPD Asst Comm Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin said the men, aged between 17 and 44, were arrested to assist in investigations.
“Inspection by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) confirmed the presence of illegal electricity connections, which were used to reduce operational costs for the mining activities.
"All suspects have been remanded for three days from Nov 9 to Nov 11 and the remand application was made at the Teluk Intan Magistrate’s Court," he said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 13).
He said the arrests followed a series of special operations carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department (D7) of the Hilir Perak district headquarters, in collaboration with TNB and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), targeting illegal Bitcoin mining in residential areas around Teluk Intan from Nov 5 to Nov 11.
More than 220 Bitcoin mining machines, along with supporting equipment such as modems, TP-Link devices and other accessories used in the mining activities, were seized.
He added that the arrest and item seizures are being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief and Section 37 of the Electricity Supply Act 1990 (Act 447) for using electricity without permission.
"We take the illegal Bitcoin mining very seriously as it poses risks of fire, electrical system damage, endangers residents’ safety and causes significant losses to TNB.
"The public is urged not to participate in any illegal Bitcoin mining or unauthorised electricity connections," he said, adding that strict, uncompromising action will be taken against any individuals or syndicates involved.
He urged anyone with information can contact the Hilir Perak district police headquarters at 05-6212222 or any nearby police station to assist in efforts to combat the crime.
