Russia Moves to Ban Crypto Mining in Moscow Amid Crackdown on Illegal Operations

Russian authorities are preparing to extend a cryptocurrency mining ban to Moscow and surrounding regions, marking a significant escalation in the nation's regulatory crackdown. The prohibition, which could remain until 2032, follows similar restrictions already imposed in other areas.

Deputy Energy Minister Evgeniy Grabchak confirmed the proposed measures to TASS, citing concerns over energy infrastructure strain. The move comes as officials report 65 data centers with 734 MW capacity currently operating in affected regions.

Moscow Oblast's Energy Minister Sergey Voropanov argued mining brings no local economic benefit, while Governor Andrey Vorobyov and Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin pushed for stricter enforcement. The government commission's recommendation signals growing institutional resistance to decentralized crypto operations.