Seven Bitcoin Miners Arrested in Malaysia for Electricity Theft

Malaysian authorities have arrested seven individuals suspected of mining Bitcoin using stolen electricity, according to Bernama.

Police in the Sepang district clarified that the group includes three locals and four foreigners, aged between 30 and 74. None of the arrested individuals have prior criminal records.

During the operation, 52 devices for mining the leading cryptocurrency, two cars, three laptops, and mobile phones were seized. The total value of the confiscated property amounted to 250,000 ringgit (~$57,050).

In July, a representative from the country’s Ministry of Energy reported that from 2018 to 2023, cryptocurrency miners in Malaysia stole electricity worth 3.4 billion ringgit (~$724.9 million). The department noted that illegal activities related to digital asset mining have been expanding recently.

Back in 2021, Malaysian authorities confiscated mining equipment valued at $13 million. One batch of devices destroyed following raids included 1,069 Bitcoin miners worth $1.25 million.

In 2023, energy provider Sarawak Energy discovered an illegal Bitcoin farm with 34 devices on the island of Borneo. The owners of the operation were stealing electricity worth ~$1,300 monthly.