Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operation Uncovered After Explosion in Malaysia

According to Odaily, an explosion in Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia, led to the discovery of an illegal Bitcoin mining operation, marking another instance of cryptocurrency-related electricity theft in the country. The incident occurred on Tuesday at 11:41 a.m. local time (UTC+8) when thick smoke and flames were seen emanating from a house, prompting local residents to call for emergency assistance. The fire was extinguished by 4:45 p.m., revealing a sophisticated illegal setup comprising nine Bitcoin mining machines, blowers, and a D-link router, all connected to an unauthorized power source. While Bitcoin mining itself is not illegal in Malaysia, tampering with power supply lines is a criminal offense under Section 37 of the Electricity Supply Act. Offenders can face fines of up to 100,000 Malaysian Ringgit (approximately $23,700) and a maximum prison sentence of five years.