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Russian authorities are intensifying a clampdown on home-based crypto miners, with law enforcement in Novosibirsk recently arresting a resident involved in substantial unauthorized mining activities.
The arrest comes amid growing scrutiny over energy usage and regulations surrounding cryptocurrency mining in Russia’s Siberian regions.
Local law enforcers claim the individual exploited subsidized electricity to power his mining rigs, reportedly generating over 12 million rubles ($123,000) in profits.
This marks one of the latest steps in Russia’s bid to regulate and curb unregulated crypto mining, with further restrictions set to come into effect next month.
Novosibirsk crypto crackdown
In Novosibirsk, a crypto miner’s arrest highlights the government’s tougher stance on unauthorized electricity use in home mining.
The regional Ministry of Internal Affairs, headed by Deputy Chief Kirill Travin, identified violations of local power regulations and launched a criminal case against the individual.
During a raid in the Moshkovsky District, authorities recorded six administrative violations linked to the mining operations.
The suspect allegedly used regional power infrastructure to mine digital assets, prompting law enforcers to take action as mining activity in residential spaces continues to proliferate.
According to regional authorities, the arrested individual reportedly amassed around 12 million rubles by using subsidized electricity.
This has triggered renewed calls for stricter mining regulations to prevent unauthorized energy usage.
While the detained miner’s specific cryptocurrency remains unidentified, local speculation suggests Ethereum (ETH) may have been involved.
Novosibirsk is not alone in facing issues with unauthorized crypto mining, as other Siberian areas, including Irkutsk and Buryatia, report similar instances.
Local power caps and new laws
New legislation set to take effect on November 1 aims to regulate “private crypto mining” and enforce stricter adherence to local power caps for home miners.
Introduced earlier this month by President Vladimir Putin, this law represents Russia’s second regulatory step in recent months targeting small-scale mining operations.
Source: Cryptonews
Although the law clarifies some regulations for residential miners, it leaves grey areas, with many small-scale operators uncertain about their legal standing.
Power companies target unauthorized miners
In response to surging electricity consumption in regions like Novosibirsk, power providers are ramping up efforts to identify and penalize unauthorized crypto miners.
Reports indicate that “illegal” mining operations have been detected in residential blocks, remote forests, and even near municipal facilities like refuse dumps and sewage plants.
The increased scrutiny follows a year of rising tensions between local authorities and miners exploiting subsidized energy intended for residential use.
In a bid to evade law enforcement, some Siberian miners are adopting mobile setups, deploying “mobile crypto mining farms” within vehicles.
These improvised mining rigs, showcased in online videos, operate discreetly to circumvent restrictions. Mobile operations have gained popularity among small-scale miners, who face growing challenges amid increasing regulation.
Meanwhile, Russian lawmakers are considering a new tax targeting industrial-scale mining enterprises, potentially generating millions for the state treasury.
This proposed tax underscores Russia’s shift toward integrating mining operations within a regulated framework, enabling the government to monitor and capitalize on the burgeoning crypto industry.
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