Russian Caucasus Defies Crypto Mining Ban Amid Surging Energy Theft
Despite a nationwide crackdown, cryptocurrency miners in Russia's Kabardino-Balkarian Republic continue operations through illicit means. Local authorities report over 20 mining rigs recently discovered in abandoned village structures, concealed in soundproofed containers to evade detection.
The energy theft epidemic has cost regional utilities more than 5.8 million rubles ($75,000) in a single incident alone, with cumulative damages exceeding 1 billion rubles this year. Rosseti North Caucasus confirms 764,000 kilowatt-hours of stolen electricity in the latest seizure.
This persistent activity highlights the economic realities of a region with limited legal income alternatives. Federal security agencies now employ advanced surveillance to combat the underground mining operations that local residents view as financial lifelines.
