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Let's dive into the shady world of cybercrime in Malaysia, where authorities recently took down a Bitcoin mining syndicate in Hulu Terengganu and Marang districts. The operation, dubbed "Op Letrik," in collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Berhad's (TNB) Special Engagement Against Losses (SEAL) unit, unraveled a web of electricity theft orchestrated for illegal Bitcoin mining.
Two raids were carried out on anyday in Bukit Perpat, Hulu Terengganu, and Wakaf Tapai, Marang, resulting in the seizure of 45 Bitcoin mining machines worth an estimated RM225,000—dark gold stuffed in the heart of residential and commercial properties. These properties seemed to have been used to siphon electricity clandestinely, allowing the criminals to operate undetected.
Apart from the mining machines, various equipment used in the illicit operation was also confiscated. The electricity theft is believed to have incurred losses of around RM36,000 per month for TNB. Yet, no arrests were made during the raids; all seized items were taken to the respective district police headquarters for further investigation.
The case is being probed under Sections 379, 427 of the Penal Code, and Section 37 of the Electricity Supply Act 1990. Punishment for these offenses can be harsh: up to five years in prison, fines of up to RM100,000, or both.
Illegal Bitcoin mining through electricity theft appears to be a growing issue in Malaysia. The authorities are apparently serious about addressing this matter, with coordinated efforts like "Op Letrik" aimed at snuffing out such illicit activities. Although concrete figures on the prevalence of this crime aren't widely available, the recent operation is a testament to the authorities' vigilance in combating this issue.
- The authorities in Malaysia have initiated an investigation into a Bitcoin mining syndicate, operating in Hulu Terengganu and Marang districts, following the seizure of 45 mining machines worth approximately RM225,000.
- The stolen electricity used for the mining operations in residential and commercial properties was believed to cause TNB losses of over RM36,000 per month.
- The Malaysian government is cracking down on such illegal activities, as evidenced by Operation Letrik, a joint operation with Tenaga Nasional Berhad's Special Engagement Against Losses (SEAL) unit.
- The seized equipment and Bitcoin mining machines are being investigated under Sections 379, 427 of the Penal Code, and Section 37 of the Electricity Supply Act 1990, which carry potential penalties of up to five years in prison, fines of up to RM100,000, or both.
- General news outlets and crime-and-justice sections should keep an eye on further developments in this case, as the authorities continue to unravel this web of illegal Bitcoin mining and electricity theft in Malaysia.
