Irkutsk police, in collaboration with energy company specialists, have discovered and dismantled an illegal cryptocurrency mining operation concealed within bushes on a vacant lot. The hidden farm, consisting of 21 ASIC mining devices, was illegally connected to a 0.4 kV power line, posing a significant risk and causing substantial financial damage.
Key Takeaways
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An illegal mining farm with 21 ASIC devices was found hidden in bushes in Irkutsk.
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The operation was connected to a power line just 20 meters from residential buildings.
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Estimated monthly profits were around 250,000 rubles, with electricity theft causing approximately 1 million rubles in damages.
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Authorities are currently identifying individuals involved in organizing the illegal farm.
Discovery and Operation Details
Law enforcement officials and representatives from the "Irkutsk Electric Grid Company" (IЭСК) stumbled upon the clandestine mining farm while on patrol. The setup was discreetly placed in a wooded area, mere meters away from residential streets, highlighting a blatant disregard for public safety and regulations. The 21 ASIC mining units were directly tapped into a 0.4 kV power line, indicating a sophisticated but illegal setup.
Financial Impact and Damages
Preliminary assessments suggest that the illegal operation was generating an estimated monthly income of approximately 250,000 rubles. However, the cost to the local power grid was far more substantial. The unauthorized consumption of electricity resulted in an estimated damage of around 1 million rubles. This figure underscores the significant financial losses incurred due to the untaxed and unregulated energy usage.
Regulatory Context and Ongoing Investigation
This discovery comes at a time when Russia is tightening regulations around cryptocurrency mining. Since January 1st, the government has implemented stricter controls, with mining activities in most regions requiring registration and adherence to state oversight. Individuals are permitted to mine within a monthly limit of 6,000 kWh, provided they are registered. The authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend all individuals responsible for establishing and operating this illicit mining farm. The investigation is ongoing, with potential charges related to illegal electricity consumption and unauthorized business activities expected.
Related Incidents
This incident in Irkutsk is not isolated. Recently, four suspects were apprehended in the Irkutsk region for allegedly stealing mining equipment valued at 5.3 million rubles. In another case, a large mining farm in Krasnoyarsk was shut down after its operator expanded operations beyond leased premises, impacting power supply to essential facilities like a polyclinic. These events highlight a growing trend of illegal mining activities and the challenges authorities face in combating them.
Sources
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Иркутская полиция обнаружила майнинг-ферму в кустах, ForkLog.
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В лесопосадке Иркутска ликвидирована нелегальная майнинг-ферма, Bits Media.
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Еще одну майнинговую ферму нашли в Иркутске — в кустах на пустыре - 2 сентября 2025, ИРСИТИ.ру.
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