Brunei’s Department of Electrical Services (DES) has been clamping down on unauthorized electrical connections over the past couple of weeks. Recently, it conducted a joint operation with the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and Autoriti Elektrik Negara Brunei Darussalam (AENBD). A team of 30 officers carried out a follow-up operation on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Two locations at Kampong Serasa and Kampong Menglait were raided in this operation.
Raids were earlier carried out on December 28 and 31, 2022. Following the latest January 7 raid, the officers discovered two more crypto mining operations and shut them down. These two operations taking place on the premises of commercial complexes were using unauthorized electrical connections for mining activities. This electricity was used to power crypto-mining rigs and machines, which consume a lot of power. The RBPF confiscated the entire equipment during the raids.
Offenses such as unauthorized electrical connections and meter tampering are punishable under Sections 3 and 9 of the Electricity Act’s Chapter 71. The convicted individuals are usually awarded a jail term of up to three years or a fine of up to BND50,000 or both. There were reports of a similar clampdown a week ago covering four premises at Kampong Melabu and one at Kampong Serusop. The operation also targeted Kampong Lugu.
The purpose of these operations was also to minimize electrical hazards and prevent mishaps such as fire, damage to properties, and loss of life. Any individual with information about any such activities can contact Darussalam Line 123 or send an email to des.info@des.gov.bn to help the DES and other concerned authorities in preventing and eliminating such offenses.