Miri law enforcers received information about unregistered mining activities from some concerned members of the public. The state-owned power grid operator Sarawak Energy estimated that about 6,000 Malaysian ringgit (about $1300) worth of electricity was illegally used in the mining operation.
“All equipment used for mining, including cables and servers, were confiscated. A police report has been filed and investigations are underway,” Sarawak Energy added.
A Miri police spokesman said that in Malaysia, stealing electricity is a serious offense that carries not only a fine of up to 100,000 ringgit (about $22,000) but also a jail term of up to five years.
On Monday, July 31, law enforcement authorities in the Penza region said they had discovered and seized equipment from four underground cryptominers who had collectively stolen more than 243,000 kWh. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has opened a case of large-scale damage by prior conspiracy. Russian underground miners face up to five years in prison.