North Sumatra PLN's Explanation Regarding The Bitcoin Mining Electricity Currency Case In Medan That Made The State Follow Tens Of Billions

Communication Manager and TJSL of PLN UID North Sumatra Yasmir Lukman (central) while inspecting the breeding/magot raising house in Sialang Village, Deli Serdang Regency. ANTARA/HO- Public Relations of PLN UID North Sumatra

The Communication and Social Responsibility Manager (TJSL) of PLN UID North Sumatra (North Sumatra) Yasmir Lukman stated that coordination is the key to uncovering cases of theft of electricity by "bitcoin" mines in Medan which cost the state Rp14.4 billion.

"Initially, the case emerged thanks to reports from the public," said Yasmir, in Medan as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, December 28.

He continued, information about the case stems from public reports to PLN, including from the North Sumatra Student Communication Forum which protested at the North Sumatra Regional Main Unit PLN Office in the first week of July 2023.

One of the student requests at that time was for PLN and the North Sumatra Police to investigate "bitcoin" mining activities in Medan which were suspected of using illegal electricity.

PLN then followed up on the information obtained and it turned out that the theft was true. Then, PLN officers from the Bukit Barisan Customer Service Implementation Unit (UP3) came to the location to take action. It turned out that they received threats and resistance. Therefore, PLN also coordinated closely with the police, namely the North Sumatra Police.

PLN and the North Sumatra Police also worked together to dismantle the case. The suspected places were also visited by the police.

Finally, the North Sumatra Police managed to confiscate 1,300 "bitcoin" mining machines, which operate with stolen electricity, with one engine requiring about 1,800 watts of power. The police also arrested 26 people suspected of being involved.

"The action was carried out in 10 locations in Medan. With an estimated six months of use, the total loss suffered by PLN was Rp. 14.4 billion," said North Sumatra Police Chief Inspector General Agung Setya Imam Effendi when announcing the disclosure of the case, Sunday (24/12).

Yasmir also ensured that PLN would continue to partner with the police to investigate the electric theft case and the potential discovery of similar crimes so that they could be dealt with.

"We continue to join the police in handling cases similar in the field," he said.