В России обсуждают введение строгих мер за нелегальный майнинг криптовалют Translation: Russia considers imposing strict penalties for illegal cryptocurrency mining

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 includes an addition to Article 171, which addresses unlawful entrepreneurship.

Consequently, engaging in mining activities or providing the necessary infrastructure without being registered would result in a fine of up to 1.5 million rubles if «these actions caused significant harm to citizens, organizations, or the state, or were associated with generating substantial profits.» Mandatory community service of up to 480 hours is also included.

The same actions committed by an organized group that cause particularly large damage or are linked to earning exceptionally high profits would be penalized with fines ranging from 500,000 rubles to 2.5 million rubles.

Additionally, the provision introduces possible penalties in the form of compulsory labor for up to five years or imprisonment for a similar duration.

The document is currently undergoing public discussion and expert review.

The basic regulation of the industry in the Russian Federation was adopted in July 2024. The law defined terms such as “mining,” “mining pool,” “mining infrastructure operator,” and “circulation of digital currency.”

It is worth noting that from January 1, 2025, to March 15, 2031, the Russian authorities imposed a ban on cryptocurrency mining and participation in pools in certain regions, specifically in Ingushetia.

On March 21, the Russian government permitted mining in these areas, provided that it involves the use of one’s own electricity generation and the necessary approvals from regulators are obtained.