A Russian man is under criminal investigation for allegedly stealing electricity worth approximately $82,000 to operate an unauthorized cryptocurrency mining farm. Federal security officers seized the mining equipment after discovering the illegal connection to the regional power grid.
A 39-year-old resident in Russia’s Komi Republic faces a criminal case for allegedly powering a cryptocurrency mining operation with stolen electricity. Investigators claim his actions caused an energy supplier damages worth about 6 million rubles, or roughly $82,000.
The suspect reportedly began mining crypto in August of last year without registering the activity or obtaining legal permission. According to authorities, the mining equipment was installed in a separate building on his property. He allegedly bypassed the legal meter by tapping directly into the grid system to avoid paying for power.
Regional officers of the Federal Security Service (FSB) uncovered the operation and carried out searches at the property. They subsequently seized various pieces of computer equipment believed to be used for mining.
A criminal case has been opened under Part 2 of Article 165 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. This statute relates to causing property damage without theft through deception or abuse of trust.
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence to determine the full scale of the losses. The case highlights ongoing monitoring by Russian authorities of illegal mining operations straining regional power infrastructures.
