Iran Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Crypto Mining Operations
Iran is ramping up efforts to curb unauthorized cryptocurrency mining activities, following a report that ranks the country as the fourth-largest crypto mining hub globally. Subsidized electricity prices have turned Iran into a hotspot for illegal miners, straining the national grid with over 1,400 megawatts of continuous power consumption.
Akbar Hasan Beklou, CEO of the Tehran Province Electricity Distribution Company, reveals that illegal miners often masquerade as industrial facilities to exploit cheap electricity. Since the government's crackdown began, 104 illicit mining farms have been uncovered in Tehran Province alone, with 1,465 mining devices confiscated.
These operations consume approximately 3,359 kilowatts of energy—equivalent to powering 10,000 households—jeopardizing power stability for both residential and industrial users. Over 95% of seized devices were found operating using unauthorized electricity.
