Malaysian Police Seize Over 75,000 Crypto Mining Rigs in 3,000 Raids

The Royal Malaysian Police have conducted over 3,000 raids across Malaysia since 2022, resulting in the arrest of 629 individuals and the seizure of 75,578 crypto mining rigs. The crackdown is aimed at stopping the theft of electricity that comes with crypto mining, which has increased by about 300% between 2018 and 2024.

The raids have been a joint effort between the Royal Malaysian Police, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the Energy Commission, and local councils. The authorities are now relying on sharing information and using technology to identify high-risk areas before conducting raids, allowing for a 'faster and more precise' response.

Malaysia's government recognizes crypto ownership but does not recognize it as money, with digital assets regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia. However, people who engage in crypto mining are charged under the Electricity Supply Act with bypassing or tampering with meters.