Two Technicians Arrested for Electricity Theft in Hong Kong
Hong Kong police arrested two technicians, aged 32 and 33, for allegedly stealing electricity. They reportedly used the power to run a bitcoin mining operation. The stolen electricity came from two care homes for the disabled. These homes are operated by the Hong Kong Association for the Spastics (SAHK).
Details of the Bitcoin Mining Setup
According to a South China Morning Post report, the suspects installed eight mining devices in the suspended ceilings of two offices. They used the homes’ electricity and internet connections around the clock.
The theft was discovered after the institutions faced slow internet speeds. They also noticed a sharp rise in their August electricity bills. The cost increased by HK $8,000 to HK $9,000, about HK $1,153 more per home than usual.
Police found five mining devices at a Sham Shui Po institution and three at a care home in Kwun Tong.
Police Inspector Ng Tsz-Wing said, “After in-depth investigation and analyses, police found that the two men from an engineering company took the opportunity of the facilities upgrading in August and connected the mining machine to the institutions’ power system.”
The police report did not name the institutions involved.
Legal Consequences and Bitcoin Mining Costs
Under Hong Kong’s Theft Ordinance, using or diverting electricity without permission can lead to up to five years in prison.
Bitcoin mining consumes large amounts of electricity. It requires powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems. Illegal mining can cause significant financial losses due to high energy costs.
