Police in China have confiscated 600 computers used to mine Bitcoin (TIKER: BTC.EXANTE) in the city of Tianjin, Xinhua agency reports.
The move follows a complaint by the the local power grid operator’s report on abnormal electricity usage.
"Eight high-power fans were also seized," Xinhua said, quoting local police and added that it was the "largest power theft case in recent years."
An investigation found that the junction box of the suspected power user's electricity meter had been short-circuited - a typical way to avoid billing.
Five people are under investigation and another has been detained in the Tianjin case.
By Jade Olafson