Malaysia Deploys Air-and-Ground Task Force to Shut Down 14,000 Illicit Bitcoin Mining Rigs

Overview

• Authorities say illegal operators have stolen about $1.1 billion in electricity since 2020, hitting state utility TNB.
• Drones with thermal imaging, handheld sensors and coordinated raids are being used to locate hidden sites, often flagged by resident complaints.
• The cross-agency panel launched Nov. 19 unites the finance ministry, Bank Negara Malaysia and TNB under deputy minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
• Investigators describe highly mobile, covert setups with heat shielding, CCTV and noise-masking, and the deputy minister suspects syndicate control.
• Bitcoin mining remains legal with lawful power and taxes, though members debated an outright ban at a Nov. 25 meeting after thefts jumped roughly 300% since 2018 and nearly 2,400 sites were shut by end-2024.