James Kon
The Department of Electrical Services (DES), through a joint operation with the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and Autoriti Elektrik Negara Brunei Darussalam (AENBD), on Saturday detected four units at commercial complex at Kampong Jangsak, Kampong Telanai, Kampong Kiulap and Aman Hills for unauthorised electrical connections and electrical wiring diversion for cryptocurrency mining operations.
Unauthorised connections and meter tempering is an offence under Section 3 and 9, Chapter 71 of the Electricity Act where if convicted, will be fined no more than BND50,000 and imprisonment of no more than three years or both.
The unauthorised electrical connection may have unsafe wiring resulting in fire, loss of life and property damage.
The operation involved 35 law enforcement personnel.
According to the DES, the joint operation is a follow-up from a recent operation at Kampong Melabau and Kampong Serusop commercial complex.
DES and law enforcement agencies will continuously conduct random inspections at commercial premises suspected of making unauthorised connections and electrical wiring diversion in the conduct of any activities that require intensive use of electricity, in particular cryptocurrency mining operations.
DES urged the public to report suspected unauthorised electrical connection to Darussalam Line 123 or e-mail to des.info@des.gov.bn.
