Illegal Mining Operation Uncovered in Mobile Truck Setup
Russian authorities in the Republic of Buryatia have exposed a truck-based cryptocurrency mining operation illegally drawing power from infrastructure meant to serve a nearby village. The mobile setup was discovered during a routine power line inspection in the Pribaikalsky District, where a KamAZ truck was found secretly running 95 mining rigs along with a mobile transformer station.
The truck was tapping into a 10-kilovolt line — enough electricity to power an entire small village.
Authorities reported that two individuals fled the scene in an SUV before police could arrive. This incident highlights a growing trend of illicit crypto mining draining public resources in underserved regions.
Worsening Trend: Sixth Case in Buryatia This Year
This is the sixth reported case of electricity theft tied to crypto mining in Buryatia in 2025, according to Buryatenergo, a regional unit of Rosseti Siberia. Officials have raised alarms over grid instability, noting issues such as voltage drops, overloads, and increased blackout risks.
“Illegal connections are threatening regional infrastructure,” warned utility representatives.
Mining Ban During Peak Energy Months
Due to frequent energy shortages, Buryatia enforces a mining ban from November 15 to March 15 each year. Mining is only allowed outside this window and strictly limited to registered companies in designated areas like Severo-Baikalsky and Muisky districts.
Additionally, Russia implemented federal restrictions in December 2024, banning mining during peak energy months in several other regions, including Dagestan, Chechnya, and Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. A complete ban has been in effect in Irkutsk since April.
Rise of Hacking and Cryptojacking in Russia
Apart from physical setups, crypto-focused cybercrime is also rising. Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky linked the group known as “Librarian Ghouls” to a cryptojacking campaign targeting Russian users. The malware:
- Disables Windows Defender
- Schedules crypto mining between 1 AM and 5 AM to avoid detection
- Gains remote system access and steals credentials
These cyberattacks allow hackers to covertly mine cryptocurrency without victims’ knowledge.
Conclusion: A Growing Energy and Security Concern
The combination of illegal mining operations and stealthy cryptojacking tactics reflects the increasing strain on Russia’s energy and cybersecurity infrastructure. As mining bans expand and enforcement strengthens, unauthorized crypto mining — both physical and digital — remains a growing challenge in the region.