In a decisive move against illegal cryptocurrency mining operations, police in Kota Samarahan have destroyed 198 units of cryptocurrency mining machines valued at over RM100,000. The destruction took place at the district police headquarters compound yesterday, witnessed by various stakeholders.
Kota Samarahan police chief, DSP Jaimi Husin, oversaw the operation as a steamroller methodically crushed the seized machines. “Today, this evidence disposal is being witnessed by representatives from Sesco, who were involved in the operation to seize the machines,” he told reporters at the scene.
These mining machines, which had been seized from multiple premises around Kota Samarahan, were linked to court cases settled in 2021 and 2022. The operators of these premises were found to be stealing electricity to power the energy-intensive mining activities. “However, no suspects were arrested, and only the mining machines were seized during the operations that were conducted in Samarindah and Unicentral,” Jaimi noted.
The investigations that led to these seizures were carried out under Section 379 and Section 427 of the Penal Code, which deal with theft and mischief respectively. The seized machines had been stored as exhibits throughout the legal process before their eventual destruction.
The illegal use of electricity for cryptocurrency mining has been a growing concern in various regions, including Kota Samarahan. These operations often bypass electricity meters, leading to significant financial losses for utility providers and posing safety hazards due to the high power consumption and risk of electrical fires.
Despite the successful seizures and subsequent destruction of these mining machines, DSP Jaimi Husin revealed that there have been no further reports of electricity thefts involving mining machines in Kota Samarahan since the last case in 2022. “We hope that this operation serves as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar illegal activities,” he added.
The collaboration with Sesco, the Sarawak Energy utility company, was instrumental in identifying and seizing the illegal mining setups. Representatives from Sesco were present during the disposal operation to witness the culmination of their joint efforts with law enforcement.
The move to destroy the mining machines highlights the commitment of the Kota Samarahan police to curb illegal activities that not only cause financial losses but also compromise public safety. It also underscores the broader efforts of Malaysian authorities to regulate the use of cryptocurrency and ensure compliance with existing laws.
As cryptocurrency mining continues to gain popularity worldwide, the challenge of regulating this activity and preventing illegal practices remains significant. The actions taken by the Kota Samarahan police set a precedent for other regions facing similar issues, demonstrating a robust approach to enforcing the law and safeguarding public resources.
The destruction of these mining machines marks a significant step in the ongoing battle against illegal cryptocurrency mining in Malaysia. It serves as a stark warning to those who might consider exploiting the digital currency boom through unlawful means.
