1314 Bitcoin Rigs Seized in Indonesia's Battle Against Electricity Theft

Indonesian authorities conducted raids on ten sites involved in illegal Bitcoin mining over the Christmas weekend. At the raided sites in Medan, North Sumatra, authorities found a total of 1,314 rigs and detained 26 individuals in connection with the theft. These suspects allegedly executed the theft by illicitly tapping into utility poles owned by the state-owned electricity company, PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara), over the Christmas weekend. During the Christmas weekend, Indonesian authorities conducted raids at ten locations. These were suspected of illegal Bitcoin mining operations fueled by stolen electricity. The targeted locations in Medan, North Sumatra, were found to house 1,314 bitcoin mining rigs, leading to the detention of 26 individuals involved in the alleged electricity theft.

The suspects are accused of stealing electricity by tapping into utility poles owned by the state-owned electricity company, PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara), over the Christmas weekend. Authorities found a total of 1,314 rigs and detained 26 individuals in connection with the theft.

Indonesia’s neighbor Malaysia has made several arrests in relation to electricity theft by crypto miners, but this may be one of the first reported cases in Indonesia. The crackdown poses a new challenge for authorities, given that electricity theft is deemed a criminal offense in Indonesia. It carries penalties of up to five years in prison or a fine double the value of the stolen electricity.

These suspects allegedly executed the theft by illicitly tapping into utility poles. The suspects are accused of stealing electricity from the PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara).