Russia Tightens Crypto Rules: Illegal Mining Now Faces Heavy Fines and Jail Time
Russia's Ministry of Justice has proposed stringent amendments to the Criminal Code, targeting unauthorized cryptocurrency mining. Individuals operating unregistered mining rigs now risk fines up to 1.5 million rubles or 480 hours of compulsory labor. For large-scale operations, penalties escalate to five-year prison terms and multi-million ruble fines.
The new Article 171.6 specifically criminalizes mining activities causing damages exceeding 3.5 million rubles. Organized crime involvement triggers harsher thresholds - prosecutable at 13.5 million rubles in damages. Legal mining remains permitted, though the regulatory landscape grows increasingly complex for operators.