Malaysian authorities literally crush 1,000 cryptomining devices with steamroller

The Malaysian government found an interesting way to break up a cryptomining farm recently. The police force took a literal steamroller to 1,069 mining systems. The farm's management allegedly stole over $2million worth of electricity. 

Forces seized the mining devices in a joint operation between Miri Police and Sarawak energy earlier this year. The bitcoin mining operation is just one of many across the world, as more and more people move towards bitcoin farming as a source of income. 

Frequent power outages 

As reported by The Star, the machines destroyed by the steamroller were worth an estimated RM5.3million (£914,279). Police arrested eight individuals involved in the cryptomining scheme, sentencing individuals to eight months in prison.

Miri police chief Hakemal Hawari commented on the groups activities: “The electricity theft for mining bitcoin activities has caused frequent power outages and in 2021, three houses were razed due to illegal electricity supply connections.”

Local news outlet Dayakdaily uploaded a video of the streamroller crushing the cryptomining devices a few days ago on YouTube (July 16). In the video, the devices can be seen on the ground as the steamroller detroys them in the most visually pleasing way.

Crypto continues to grow

Cryptomining hit the news earlier this week as well after Talen Energy announced its plans to open a nuclear-powered crypto mining station. Cryptomining is a demanding process, requiring a lot of power. Which is why it comes as no surprise that Talen Energy plans to open two cryptocurrency nuclear plants. 

Cryptocurrency mining has dominated headlines over the past twelve months. The crypto boom in the industry has resulted in detrimental effects elsewhere. PC parts, specifically graphics cards, have been in high demand. Crypto's skyrocketing popularity has resulted in GPU shortages worldwide.

Furthermore, a global semiconductor chip shortage, which also drove the cost of cards up, made this shortage worse.

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