Citing TechFlow, Libyan authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal cryptocurrency mining. On November 2025, nine individuals were sentenced to three years in prison for conducting Bitcoin mining operations within a steel factory. Despite a 2018 Central Bank of Libya ban on crypto transactions, the country has become a leading Bitcoin mining hub in the Arab and African regions, leveraging its ultra-low electricity cost of $0.004 per kilowatt-hour. In 2021, Libya accounted for approximately 0.6% of global Bitcoin hash power. Crypto mining is estimated to consume about 2% of the nation's electricity output, worsening its power shortages. Experts are calling for legislative oversight to integrate mining into the national economic framework, rather than relying solely on bans.
Libya Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Crypto Mining, 9 Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison
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Summary
Libya authorities are stepping up enforcement against illegal crypto mining, with nine individuals sentenced to three years in prison for operating Bitcoin rigs in a steel factory. Despite a 2018 Central Bank of Libya ban, the country remains a major Bitcoin mining hub in the Arab and African regions, using ultra-low electricity at $0.004 per kilowatt-hour. In 2021, Libya held about 0.6% of global Bitcoin hash power, with mining now consuming 2% of national electricity. Experts urge legislative oversight to bring mining under the national economic framework. As global frameworks like EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation evolve, risk-on assets like Bitcoin face tighter scrutiny in regions lacking formal oversight.
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