Штрафы до 2,5 млн рублей за незаконный майнинг: Минюст России вводит новые меры наказания Fines up to 2.5 million rubles for illegal mining: Russia’s Ministry of Justice introduces new penalties

The Russian Ministry of Justice has proposed amendments to the Criminal Code that would impose fines of up to 2.5 million rubles for illegal cryptocurrency mining activities.

This initiative aims to add to Article 171 concerning unlawful entrepreneurship.

Accordingly, engaging in mining activities or providing the necessary infrastructure without registration, when such actions cause significant harm to individuals, organizations, or the state, or are associated with generating substantial profits, will incur fines of up to 1.5 million rubles. Mandatory work of up to 480 hours is also included as a penalty.

If the same actions are committed by an organized group and result in especially large damages or involve earning exceptionally high income, the fines range from 500,000 rubles to 2.5 million rubles.

The clause further introduces potential penalties in the form of forced labor for up to five years or imprisonment for an equivalent duration.

The document is currently undergoing public discussion and review.

The basic framework for the industry in Russia was adopted in July 2024, establishing definitions for terms such as «mining,» «mining pool,» «mining infrastructure operator,» and «digital currency circulation organization.»

It is important to note that from January 1, 2025, to March 15, 2031, authorities in Russia have implemented a ban on cryptocurrency mining and participation in pools in some regions, including Ingushetia.

On March 21, the Russian government permitted mining in these areas on the condition of using self-generated electricity and obtaining regulatory approval.