TLDR
- Malaysian authorities have shut down nearly 14,000 illegal Bitcoin mining rigs across the country.
- The crackdown follows the theft of $1.1 billion in electricity since 2020 due to illegal mining activities.
- Drones with thermal sensors are used to detect Bitcoin mining sites by identifying unusual heat signatures.
- Police on the ground utilize equipment to detect illicit electricity use, often responding to neighbourhood complaints.
- The illegal mining activities have caused significant strain on Malaysia’s national grid and raised safety concerns.
- The stolen electricity could have supported over 373,000 households or met the food needs of 567,000 people for a year.
Malaysian authorities have launched a joint operation to shut down nearly 14,000 illicit Bitcoin mining rigs. The task force uses high-tech drones and ground police units to locate and dismantle these illegal operations. The crackdown follows the theft of $1.1 billion worth of electricity since 2020.
Drones and Sensors Target Bitcoin Mining Rigs
The authorities have deployed drones equipped with thermal sensors to detect Bitcoin mining operations. These drones fly over buildings, identifying unusual heat signatures linked to mining activities. On the ground, police use specialized equipment to detect illicit electricity use, often prompted by neighbor complaints about strange noises.
According to local reports, these operations typically take place in residential areas, where the rigs remain hidden from the public eye. The combination of drones and sensors makes it easier for officials to find and close down illegal Bitcoin mining sites. Neighbors, noticing abnormal sounds, often help police locate these operations.
Police continue to raid suspected locations, finding mining rigs hidden in various buildings. This joint effort between the authorities and the public has led to significant progress in dismantling illegal Bitcoin mining operations. The authorities have also warned that the theft of electricity poses risks to the national grid.
Bitcoin Mining Costs Malaysia’s National Grid $1.1 Billion
State-owned utility Tenaga Nasional (TNB) has reported a staggering $1.1 billion loss due to stolen electricity. Bitcoin miners often bypass legal electricity connections, tapping into the grid illegally. This large-scale theft has affected Malaysia’s energy infrastructure, causing concerns about its long-term stability.
The deputy minister of energy transition and water transformation, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, emphasized the risks involved. He noted that these illegal activities could even damage the country’s energy facilities. “It becomes a challenge to our system,” Nasir stated, highlighting the severity of the issue.
The stolen electricity could have provided food for over 567,000 people for a year or powered 373,000 households. With illegal Bitcoin mining on the rise, authorities are prioritizing the shutdown of these operations. This action has already led to the closure of nearly 2,400 Bitcoin mining sites earlier this year.
Ongoing Crackdowns and Future Plans
In May, the number of electricity thefts surged by 300%, prompting additional shutdowns. The ongoing efforts by authorities aim to tackle the growing issue of illegal Bitcoin mining. Police expect more raids and operations in the coming months as they continue their mission to secure the national grid.
The Malaysian government is determined to prevent further damage to the country’s infrastructure. Through advanced technology and close cooperation with the public, authorities plan to curtail the expansion of illegal Bitcoin mining. These actions reflect the seriousness of the government’s stance on Bitcoin mining thefts.
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