26 cryptocurrency premises suspected of stealing electricity raided in Sepang

SEPANG, Aug 12 -- Authorities raided 26 premises carrying out cryptocurrency activities around the Sepang district today on suspicion of stealing electricity through illegal installations.

The integrated operation, led by the Energy Commission (ST), also involved the Special Engagement Against Losses (SEAL) unit of Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), Sepang Municipal Council (MPS), Communications and Multimedia Commission, Sepang District Police Headquarters and National Water Services Commission.

ST chief operating officer Abdul Rahim Ibrahim said the raids were conducted to investigate if they had committed any acts that violated the Electricity Supply Act 1990.

Among them being offences under Section 37 (1), which is interfering with electrical installations that may cause danger; and Section 37 (3), which is connecting electricity supply illegally and damaging electrical installations that may cause electricity supply not to be recorded, he told reporters at Sunsuria City here, which was one of the earlier locations raided under the operation.

TNB officials, who took part in the operation, said that by stealing electricity through illegal connections, among others, these cryptocurrency premises ended up paying only RM30 in electricity bills when, in fact, their monthly consumption reached RM30,000.

Meanwhile, MPS president Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim said in a statement that all 26 premises raided were sealed and compounded for running unlicensed businesses and making changes to parts of the buildings.

A total of 3,120 bitcoin machines were seized from all the premises raided, he said.

-- BERNAMA