An explosion and billowing smoke from an unoccupied house in Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia, led to the shocking discovery of an illegal Bitcoin mining operation on Tuesday. What initially seemed like an ordinary fire incident quickly unraveled into a case of electricity theft and unauthorized cryptocurrency mining.

According to a report by a local media outlet, the incident occurred along Lorong Cekara Purnama, prompting a swift response from authorities. 

Sungai Buloh district police chief Supt Mohd Hafiz Muhammad Nor revealed that the police received a distress call from a concerned local resident at 11:41 AM. Fourteen volunteer firefighters from Saujana Utama and Bestari Jaya were dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze.

Upon arrival, emergency responders found the house locked and had to force entry. The fire was traced to a room containing modified electrical circuitry, which had short-circuited and sparked the explosion.

After extinguishing the fire, a joint investigation by the police and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) uncovered an illegal electricity connection used to power a clandestine Bitcoin mining operation. Authorities discovered nine Bitcoin mining rigs, nine industrial blower fans, and a D-Link router at the site, confirming suspicions of unlawful activity.

An investigation has been launched under Section 427 of the Penal Code, which deals with mischief causing loss or damage, and Section 37(1) of the Electricity Supply Act 1990, which addresses unauthorized electricity usage. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist in identifying those responsible.

Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or reach out to Assistant Investigating Officer Mohamad Nurizwan Hafiz Abd Halim at 017-2494940.

This incident highlights the growing risks associated with illegal Bitcoin mining operations, which often involve electricity theft, fire hazards, and significant damage to infrastructure.