In a move to bring greater oversight to its growing cryptocurrency mining industry, the Russian government has launched a national registry of crypto mining equipment. The initiative aims to reduce illegal electricity consumption and ensure tax compliance among miners operating in the country.
National Registry to Monitor Mining Rigs
According to official sources, the Ministry of Energy, along with the Federal Tax Service and the Ministry of Digital Development, has compiled a centralized registry of mining hardware. This registry has been distributed to regions with high levels of crypto mining activity.
Deputy Energy Minister Petr Konyushenko stated that the registry marks a significant step toward “legalizing the industry and reducing illegal consumption.” The system will help authorities identify energy usage patterns linked to mining and apply special taxation policies.
Legal Framework and Enforcement Efforts
Russia began implementing legal definitions and registration requirements for crypto mining businesses in November 2024. Despite these regulations, only 30% of crypto miners had registered with the Federal Tax Service by mid-2025, prompting officials to step up enforcement.
Some Russian regions have outright banned crypto mining activities. In December, the government announced a six-year ban in 10 regions, lasting until March 2031, to prevent grid overloads and blackouts.
Increased Penalties for Illegal Mining
In a bid to discourage unregistered operations, a new bill under development proposes raising the fine for unauthorized crypto mining from 200,000 rubles ($2,534) to 2 million rubles ($25,500). The move reflects growing concerns over energy theft and tax evasion, especially in areas with unregulated mining farms.
Illegal Operations Shut Down
Russian law enforcement has already begun targeting illegal mining sites. In June, police in Bataysk discovered a crypto mining farm hidden in a garage complex. Days later, authorities uncovered a mobile mining operation running out of a truck, illegally drawing electricity from a village in the Pribaikalsky region.
These cases illustrate how crypto miners are exploiting loopholes and physical infrastructure to avoid detection, making the need for tighter regulation more urgent.
Outlook
Russia’s crypto mining registry is a decisive step toward regulating a sector often plagued by tax evasion and energy misuse. With stricter penalties and broader enforcement, the government aims to ensure that mining activities are transparent, taxed, and energy-efficient, aligning with national infrastructure priorities.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.