KLANG: Three cryptocurrency mining operations have been crippled by police for alleged electricity theft.
South Klang OCPD Asst Comm Cha Hoong Fong said they conducted a joint operation with Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Klang Municipal Council on March 1 and 2.
“We carried out raids on three premises in Bandar Puteri and Bayu Perdana, arrested 12 men and seized RM65,000 worth of cryptocurrency mining machines.
“The suspects were aged between 18 and 43. Background checks showed seven of them have prior criminal records,” he told reporters at the South Klang police headquarters on Thursday (March 3).
ACP Cha said initial investigations also showed the suspects worked as caretakers and technicians to monitor the mining operations.
“Based on our estimates, these three operations managed to rake in profits of at least RM150,000 in over two months.
“TNB estimates these illegal operations stole over RM60,000 worth of electricity,” he said.
ACP Cha also said the illegal electricity connections could be detected by TNB meter readers.
“We are investigating if the suspects are working together with the meter readers to avoid getting caught,” he said.
Between Jan and Feb this year, police raided five premises and seized 131 mining machines.
“Last year, we raided 11 premises, arrested six suspects and seized 696 machines worth RM300,000.
“These operations will be ongoing to ensure these illegal activities are curbed,” he said.