POLICE in Terengganu have dismantled a bitcoin mining syndicate that was stealing electricity to power its operations, following coordinated raids under "Op Letrik" in Hulu Terengganu and Marang districts on Tuesday.
The crackdown, carried out in collaboration with technicians from Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s Special Engagement Against Losses (SEAL) unit, uncovered a large-scale illegal setup involving dozens of mining machines.
Terengganu Police Chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin said two premises — one in Bukit Perpat, Hulu Terengganu, and another in Wakaf Tapai, Marang — were raided and a total of 45 bitcoin mining machines, valued at approximately RM225,000, were seized.
“The raids targeted residential properties and shop lots believed to be used as locations for illicit electricity tapping, in an attempt to evade detection by authorities,” he said in a statement.
In addition to the mining equipment, police confiscated various other tools used to facilitate the illegal activity. Authorities estimate the theft cost national utility company TNB around RM36,000 in losses every month.
However, no arrests were made during the raids. All seized items have been taken to the respective district police headquarters for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under Sections 379 and 427 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 37 of the Electricity Supply Act 1990. Offenders found guilty could face up to two years in prison, fines, or both under the Penal Code, and up to five years in prison or a maximum fine of RM100,000 under the Electricity Supply Act.
Datuk Mohd Khairi warned the public against getting involved in electricity theft for any purpose — personal or commercial — including illegal cryptocurrency mining, stressing that the penalties are severe.
“We urge members of the public to report any suspicious activity in their areas to the police,” he added. - May 1, 2025
