KUCHING: Sarawak Energy’s utility arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO)’s close surveillance on power theft activities involving cryptocurrency miners leads to another crackdown, where three premises were raided for the second time in a joint operation involving SESCO, Ministry of Utilities Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) and the Police.
The raid, held on 24 August was a second executive operation targeting the business premises operating illegal cryptocurrency mining located near One TJ Stutong Commercial Centre here. The first operation held on 14 August was triggered by a public tip off where the joint team operation raided the premises after securing a search warrant from the magistrate.
In the second executive operation, the team discovered that the business operators used similar modus operandi to steal electricity, tapping directly from SESCO mains wiring, bypassing SESCO’s meter.
“The illegal connection method is very dangerous, could cause short circuit and lead to fire. The operators’ irresponsible act also causes danger to other people staying in the building and within close proximity to the premises,” said SESCO’s spokesperson.
Other than illegal electricity connection, the operators were also found in violation of Section 87 of the Building Bylaw for blocking the access to the stairwell’s common area to cover up their operations. This will further compromise the safety of occupants in the building if a fire breaks out.
In the raid, huge ventilation fans were also found, believed to be used to cool the long running mining servers.
As the cryptocurrency servers run 24-7 (non-stop), the electricity consumption measured from the direct tapping cables was high, estimated to cost around RM10, 000 per month for each premises.
All the tampered wirings found at the premises were dismantled and seized for evidence.
A police report was immediately lodged for further investigation. The premises and business owners will be called for questioning to assist police in their investigations and could be charged in court.
Following the increase in cryptocurrency mining centres in the state, the police have initiated close cooperation with SESCO to monitor the activity and to curb its associated social issues. SESCO will continue to actively carry out joint operations with the police and EIU to stop this dangerous crime.
There have been 18 power theft cases this year involving cryptocurrency operators across the state.
SESCO is in the midst of bringing the cases to court through the relevant authorities. All identified cryptocurrency mining premises are under SESCO’s close watch for any attempt of power theft.
Power theft is a dangerous crime. It can damage customers’ electrical appliances and even cause fire to the premises. Those found guilty of stealing electricity will be charged under Section 33 (5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of RM100,000 and/or five years’ jail.
SESCO also advises all landlords to always be alert on their tenants’ business activities. This is to avoid the owners to be implicated by the crimes committed by the tenants operating within their rental premises, including stealing power under the landlord’s name.
“We thank the public for the information that led to the raids on power theft especially on high risk premises such as these cryptocurrency mining outlets,” said SESCO spokesperson.
SESCO is seeking public cooperation to continue to report suspicious electricity theft activities via its dedicated hotline at 082-443535. All information will be treated strictly confidential.
