Over 400 bitcoin mining machines seized by Malaysian police  PlatoBlockchain Data Intelligence. Vertical Search. Ai.

Over 400 bitcoin mining machines seized by Malaysian police 

Over 400 bitcoin mining machines seized by Malaysian police  PlatoBlockchain Data Intelligence. Vertical Search. Ai.

Malaysian authorities have raided a crypto mining facility located at George Town, capital of Penang state, and seized over 400 mining machines which cost RM180,000, equivalent to $43,800. 

Along with the machines, the police have also arrested four suspects. 

According to Assistant Commissioner Soffian Santong, the latest bust was composed of four raids that took place from 11:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. 

Results of interrogation

The exact locations of the facilities were successfully raided by the authorities, thanks to the interrogation they did on the previous suspects they have arrested. The interrogation was conducted earlier the same day. 

Santong said in an official statement: “During the raids at Lintang Hajjah Rehmah, Jelutong, Sungai Dua and Bayan Lepas, police also confiscated four computers, 11 routers, four modems, and 10 fans.”

What makes the suspects’ operation illegal is not the crypto mining itself but the stealing of electricity to power all the equipment used for mining. 

Santong also revealed that the arrested suspects, who claimed to be mere cleaners at the raided properties, were the ones responsible for connecting illegal electricity on the facilities. 

Malaysia’s multinational electric company, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) were immediately informed about the incident and estimated their losses at around $102,239., which is equivalent to two months of electricity usage.

Syndicate leader still out there

Even with the successful raid of the facilities and arrest of the suspects, Malaysian authorities’ mission is not yet complete as the syndicate’s top boss is still at large. 

The same illegal method of powering mining facilities was also discovered in the United Kingdom, where authorities discovered a facility, packed with 100 bitcoin machines using stolen electricity. 

Image courtesy of Cointelegraph News/YouTube

Source: https://bitcoinerx.com/blockchain/over-400-bitcoin-mining-machines-seized-by-malaysian-police/

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