Skip to content

Value of seized illegal Bitcoin mining machines spikes over 4,000% in Malaysia

Value of seized illegal Bitcoin mining machines spikes over 4,000% in Malaysia

Malaysia recorded the highest cases related to illegal Bitcoin mining in 2021 as the country continued the crackdown on various operators.

The Malaysian Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) revealed that it seized illegal Bitcoin mining equipment worth a record RM54 million ($12.9 million), Malay Mail reports

Compared to 2020, the value of confiscated equipment stood at RM1.26 million ($331,000), representing a spike of 4,185%. 

According to the agency’s head, Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan, authorities have opened about 570 investigations and arrested 528 people in relation to illegal crypto mining. In 2020, investigations stood at 20 from 26 arrests.

Most of the culprits were aged between 18 to 30 years old with a bulk of mining operations taking place in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, and Penang. The agency noted that the regions are attractive due to a constant power supply with perpetrators using the industrial status to mask their activities.

Furthermore, the CID identified a spike in ransomware and Ponzi schemes related to cryptocurrencies. The losses mirrored the global trend where in 2021, global crypto crime recorded a loss of $14 billion, 79% growth from 2020’s figure of $ 7.8 billion. 

To curb illegal mining, Malaysian authorities are utilizing drones to detect heat patterns and monitor unusual electricity consumption. 

Intensified crackdown on miners 

Overall, in 2021, Malaysian authorities intensified the crackdown on illegal mining activities resulting in the seizing of several equipment. As reported by Finbold, one of the largest crackdowns emerged in October last year when authorities seized 1,720 Bitcoin mining machines, with total seized items totaling about RM3.5 million ($840,100). 

The raid targeted 75 premises and also resulted in the seizure of 15 units of monitors, 22 computer CPUs, 16 keyboards, 56 modems, a Toyota Hilux vehicle, 44 fans, seven closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras alongside a laptop.

In June 2021, the government also confiscated over 400 Bitcoin mining machines worth a total of RM180,000 (or $43,800). Four suspects were arrested in the raid. 


Best Crypto Exchange for Intermediate Traders and Investors

  • Invest in 70+ cryptocurrencies and 3,000+ other assets including stocks and precious metals.

  • 0% commission on stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.

  • Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.

  • eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.

30+ million Users
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk. eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs, only real Crypto assets available. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

Read Next:

Weekly Finance Digest

By subscribing you agree with Finbold T&C’s & Privacy Policy

Related posts