Joint operation busts ‘largest’ meter tampering syndicate
KUCHING: Syarikat Sesco Berhad ( Sesco) – the utility arm of Sarawak Energy Berhad ( SEB) – joined forces with the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission ( MACC) to bust what was described as the largest meter tampering syndicate in Miri.
The joint operation on Aug 27 was a result of internal investigation and public tipoffs, leading to the arrest of a syndicate member and seizure of more than 500 imitation Sesco meter covers and 90 stolen Sesco meters, said SEB through a press statement yesterday.
The operation took place at Jalan Acacia and Permyjaya where the suspect operated his meter tampering business.
At the premises, the team also discovered about 100 cryptocurrency mining servers directly tapping power, bypassing the Sesco meter.
In addition, it was discovered that the suspect had also coverted one of the rooms in his rented house into a laboratory of sorts for his meter-tampering activities.
Various meter components and parts used for tampering, such as relay switches, cut- out fuses, cut- out holders, meter security seals, meter circuit boards and remote control switches were found at the premises together with the stolen Sesco electric meters.
The items were confiscated by MACC while direct tapping cables connected to the cryptocurrency mining servers were dismantled and seized by Sesco technicians as evidence for prosecution.
The syndicate is believed to be responsible for most of the meter-tampering activities in Miri and Sibu over the past few years for residential, commercial and industrial customers.
Following his release from MACC detention yesterday, the suspect was arrested by police for investigation into the theft of Sesco meters and for power theft.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. This collaboration with MACC is based on our suspicion that the syndicate is operating with assistance from insiders within the company. We now have the opportunity to further investigate this suspicion.
“We will not compromise on integrity and strongly condemn any form of corrupt practice. Our staff, must abide by the law and Code of Ethics. Anyone who is proven to have acted fraudulently or in a corrupt manner will be dealt with according to the law,” said a Sesco spokesperson.
The public can report any suspected power theft information through Sesco’s hotline on 082- 443535.
All information will be kept strictly confidential.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. This collaboration with MACC is based on our suspicion that the syndicate is operating with assistance from insiders within the company. We now have the opportunity to further investigate this suspicion. Sesco spokesperson