Ingushetia Farmers Caught Illegally Mining Cryptocurrency, Stealing 8 Million kWh of Electricity

In the Ingush village of Surkhakhi, energy officials uncovered illegal cryptocurrency mining operations at a livestock farm, leading to significant electricity theft. This was reported by Rosseti North Caucasus. 

The consumer initially used a transformer with a capacity of 100 kVA and a contractual load of up to 80 kW. Later, the owner unlawfully replaced it with equipment of 400 kVA capacity, bypassing metering devices and consuming over 300 kW.

In an enclosed space without doors under a canopy, 99 ASIC miners were located. The volume of stolen electricity exceeded 8 million kWh, comparable to the consumption of the Ingush Republican Clinical Hospital over five years.

Experts are determining the amount of damage and those responsible. 

According to energy officials, 94% of the electricity stolen in the first half of 2025 was linked to cryptocurrency mining. In monetary terms, they consumed resources worth 347.5 million rubles. Over 450 miners were seized from violators.

From January 1, 2025, to March 15, 2031, Russian authorities have imposed a ban on cryptocurrency mining and participation in pools in certain regions, including Ingushetia.

On March 21, the Russian government permitted mining in these regions, provided that own electricity generation is used and regulatory approval is obtained.