Malaysian authorities have conducted a large-scale campaign against illegal cryptocurrency mining. From 2022 to May 2026, over 3,000 raids were carried out across the country, resulting in the seizure of more than 75,000 Bitcoin mining devices. These operations were the result of coordinated efforts by the police, the national energy company Tenaga Nasional Berhad, and local administrations. During the raids, 629 individuals involved in illegal activities were detained.
It is important to emphasize that owning and trading cryptocurrencies is not prohibited in Malaysia. However, mining becomes illegal if it involves electricity theft, tampering with electricity meters, disrupting the stability of the power grid, or operating without the required licenses. These violations were the primary reason for such large-scale seizures.
Situation Analysis and Conclusions
From an expert's perspective, this case is a vivid example of how the growing popularity of mining in countries with cheap electricity leads to conflicts with energy monopolies. Malaysia, like many other jurisdictions, is trying to balance the legalization of the crypto industry with the need to protect national energy resources. The seizure of 75,000 devices is not just a statistic but a signal to miners: the shadow sector will be pushed out, and the only way to survive is strict compliance with licensing requirements and paying for electricity at full rates.