Russia Introduces Severe Penalties for Illegal Crypto Mining
Russia has escalated its crackdown on unauthorized cryptocurrency mining operations with a new draft bill imposing hefty fines, forced labor, and prison sentences. The Ministry of Justice's proposal targets unregistered miners, mandating strict registration and monthly revenue reporting. Small-scale users consuming under 6,000 kWh remain exempt, but high-energy miners must comply.
The legislation pairs with tighter digital financial asset (DFA) limits to stabilize markets and curb tax evasion. Penalties range up to 1.5 million rubles and two years of forced labor for standard violations, while organized operations face five-year prison terms. Authorities aim to formalize a sector long operating in regulatory shadows, addressing both energy strain and fiscal losses.
