Malaysia Detains Two Men in Bitcoin Mining Electricity Theft Probe

Malaysian police have detained two men and seized 30 Bitcoin mining machines after uncovering an operation allegedly powered through an illegal electricity connection in Seri Iskandar, Perak. The case adds to a growing series of enforcement actions targeting cryptocurrency mining operations accused of bypassing legal power supplies.

Authorities carried out the latest operation in cooperation with Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Malaysia’s main electricity utility. Police also seized an internet router, a desktop network switch and electrical wiring during the raid.

Police Investigate Illegal Power Connection

Perak Tengah district police chief Supt Hafezul Helmi Hamzah said officers detained the two local men to assist with the investigation. Authorities are examining whether the premises used an unauthorized connection to supply electricity to the mining equipment.

The investigation falls under Section 427 of Malaysia’s Penal Code and Section 37(1) of the Electricity Supply Act 1990. Police said illegal cryptocurrency mining can create substantial losses for utility providers while also raising fire risks because of the heavy electrical loads involved.

The seizure follows several other Bitcoin mining crackdowns in Perak this year. In July, police seized 62 mining machines from two premises in Bandar Seri Iskandar after investigators allegedly found unauthorized electricity connections. Authorities estimated electricity losses in that operation at about 60,000 Malaysian ringgit.

Mining Crackdowns Continue Across Perak

The latest case also comes shortly after police reported a larger operation involving 168 Bitcoin mining machines across four premises in Sungai Siput and Perak Tengah.

Perak authorities have increasingly focused on vacant or underused properties allegedly converted into mining centers. Such operations can consume significant amounts of electricity, making unauthorized connections a major enforcement concern for utilities and law enforcement agencies.

Malaysia has continued to scrutinize electricity theft linked to cryptocurrency mining as authorities seek to protect power infrastructure and reduce losses. The Seri Iskandar investigation remains ongoing, and the two detained men have not been convicted of any offense.