Russia Launches Mining Equipment Register to Combat Illegal Crypto Farms

Russia has rolled out a national registry for cryptocurrency mining hardware, marking a significant step toward curbing electricity theft and illegal mining operations. The Ministry of Energy, alongside the Federal Tax Service and the Ministry of Digital Development, aims to identify unregistered miners and enforce tax compliance. Deputy Energy Minister Petr Konyushenko confirmed the initiative, noting that regional authorities—particularly in areas with rampant mining activity—have already received registry data.

Despite legalizing crypto mining in 2024, Russia continues to grapple with widespread noncompliance. Current regulations permit private miners to operate tax-free if their monthly electricity consumption stays below 6,000 kWh, but larger operations must register and pay taxes. The government views the registry as a tool to legitimize the industry and recover losses from stolen electricity, which has strained power infrastructure.