Johor police arrest trio, seize 71 mining machines

Johor police have dismantled a syndicate allegedly mining Bitcoin by stealing electricity from Tenaga Nasional Berhad, arresting three men aged 26 to 46 across Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru Utara and Kulai after four raids. The operation, codenamed Ops Letrik and conducted with TNB, involved renting four premises where 71 mining machines and other equipment were seized, with investigations indicating the group bypassed legitimate meters. Authorities estimate the syndicate operated for about a month, generating profits of between RM80,000 and RM100,000 while causing TNB losses of about RM67,502.30. One suspect is believed to have managed all four premises, while two others handled wiring and installation; the suspects were reportedly earning around RM5,000 each and were remanded for further inquiry. The case is being pursued under mischief and electricity supply laws, with police actively seeking other linked individuals as inquiries continue. These developments follow similar reports on the same incident from multiple outlets, underscoring ongoing crackdowns on illicit crypto mining linked to electricity theft in the region.