ChainCatcher report, according to DL News, the state-owned power company Irkutskenergosbyt in Russia’s Irkutsk region has recently identified over 8,000 suspected illegal cryptocurrency mining operations disguised as chicken coops, greenhouses, forests, paper mills, and abandoned gas stations. Since 2019, the company has filed 2,170 lawsuits against illegal miners, seeking $18.5 million in damages; courts have issued fines totaling approximately half that amount, with some cases resolved through out-of-court settlements. Miners often conceal their activities under the guise of electric vehicle charging or agricultural power use, resulting in significant electricity losses. To ensure grid stability, authorities in multiple regions of Russia have shut down licensed industrial mining operations and plan to use AI tools to detect illegal mining.
Russia Seizes Over 8,000 Illegal Crypto Mining Sites
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Summary
Russia’s crackdown on illegal crypto mining uncovered over 8,000 hidden sites in Irkutsk, including fake chicken coops and greenhouses. Irkutskenergosbyt has filed 2,170 lawsuits since 2019, seeking $18.5 million in damages. Courts have recovered about half, with some cases settled out of court. Miners often divert electricity meant for agriculture or EV charging, straining the grid. As Bitcoin’s appeal as a hedge against inflation grows, regulators are deploying AI tools to detect illegal operations and ensure grid stability. CFT measures are also being strengthened to prevent crypto from being used for illicit financing.
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