Russian Government Considers Criminal Penalties for Illegal Crypto Mining

Derived from RBC, Russian officials are considering introducing criminal liability for illegal cryptocurrency mining, alongside administrative penalties. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated on December 8 that the government plans to regulate the circulation of digital currencies and establish both administrative and criminal responsibility for violations. Legal experts suggest that criminal charges may apply in cases of significant damage to energy infrastructure, distinguishing it from existing laws on energy theft and unauthorized business activities. The proposed legal framework aims to address gaps in current legislation and ensure proportionality in penalties based on the scale of the violation.