Malaysia seizes 1,720 illegal bitcoin miners

1,720 Bitcoin miners arrested in crackdown on illegal electronics in Malaysia. After inspecting 75 sites, police discovered that 30 of them had violated Bitcoin mining using electricity.

Malaysian media have reported that Malaysian police are cracking down on major thefts related to bitcoin mining. Perak State Police Chief Datuk Miofalida Rashwahid told a press conference that the public records would be reviewed and finalized.

The police chief pointed out that two offices of the National Energy Corporation (TNB) and the fire and rescue team were also involved in the operation.

This project is the best achievement of this year.

He pointed out that the stolen electricity was worth around 2 million RM (US $ 478,870), according to TNB.

The police chief said that 30 of the 75 search and prosecution sites were involved in the illegal mining of bitcoin. He also added:

Seizure of 1,720 Bitcoin miners.

Police also seized 15 monitors, 22 processors, 16 keyboards, 7 mice, 56 modems and laptops. And a Toyota Hilux, 44 exhaust fans, 5 alarms and 7 cameras.

Police said the case was still under investigation to determine who was behind the bitcoin mining offense and how long it has been mined.

Police also arrested a 28-year-old property manager on charges of illegal bitcoin mining and embezzlement. The police chief clarified that:

The man was imprisoned for four days and is currently under investigation under articles 379 and 427 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Electricity Act 1990.

In July, Malaysian police crushed 1,069 Bitcoin miners with razor blades. The miner was arrested earlier this year.