2 arrested in Hong Kong over alleged theft of electricity for bitcoin mining

Two technicians have been arrested on suspicion of stealing electricity from two Hong Kong care homes for the disabled to power their cryptocurrency mining operation, leaving the victims with bills up to HK$9,000 (US$1,153) higher than usual.

The men, aged 32 and 33, allegedly set up eight such mining devices in the suspended ceilings of two offices, using their electricity and internet connections 24 hours a day.

The case was uncovered after the care homes experienced slow internet connections and received suspiciously high electricity bills, which police said were HK8,000 to HK$9,000 higher than usual.

Five devices used for cryptocurrency mining were found in a Sham Shui Po institution and another three at a care home in Kwun Tong, police said on Monday.

Inspector Ng Tsz-wing said police first received a report from the Sham Shui Po institution last Thursday.