Authorities in Malaysia have intensified their crackdown on illegal bitcoin mining operations, leading to multiple arrests and significant seizures in recent days. In two separate operations, police detained a total of nine individuals and confiscated bitcoin mining equipment valued at over RM2.22 million.
In the first operation conducted on August 17 in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi and Taman Putra Perdana, seven suspects were arrested on suspicion of involvement in illegal bitcoin mining. The suspects, comprising three local men and four foreign nationals aged between 30 and 74, were apprehended during a Special Ops targeting electricity theft linked to bitcoin mining activities. The operation resulted in the seizure of 52 bitcoin mining machines, two vehicles, three laptops, and seven mobile phones, with a total estimated value of RM250,000. Authorities are investigating the case under multiple charges, including criminal mischief, electricity theft, and immigration violations.
In a separate development on August 19, police in Perak Tengah disposed of 985 bitcoin mining machines and related equipment valued at approximately RM1.97 million. The equipment had been seized over a two-year period between 2022 and April 2024 in connection with 12 cases of illegal bitcoin mining. Two local men were arrested during this time, and the suspects were found to have been using multiple premises across the district to carry out their operations. The disposal of the seized equipment was carried out following court proceedings, in compliance with environmental regulations.
These recent actions reflect the growing efforts by Malaysian authorities to clamp down on illegal bitcoin mining, which has been associated with significant electricity theft and other criminal activities. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities related to bitcoin mining to aid in ongoing enforcement efforts.
