Abkhazia to intensify crackdown on miners and seize their equipment

In the operational headquarters for combating illegal cryptocurrency mining under the Gudauta District administration in Abkhazia, preparations are under way to seize mining equipment during raids.

The seizure of equipment was prompted by recently enacted changes to the legislation, Akhra Gagulia, director of the Gudauta branch of ‘Chernomornego’, explained, Sputnik reports.

“Previously we could disconnect facilities 3-4 times, but they connected them again. Such measures have not been applied in our district before, but this is an important step that will allow a more effective fight not only against mining but also against electricity theft,” he said.

The task force for combating illegal mining has asked lawmakers and heads of administrations to gather information on illegal miners.

“We carried out joint inspections with representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service and disconnected large mining farms. I think we identified and disconnected about 90% of the total. At the same time, we did not seize the equipment, as we did not have legal authority, and this equipment moved into the private sector,” Gagulia noted.

He stressed that inspectors are now forced to go door-to-door, but identifying the homes where these devices are installed is difficult, time-consuming and laborious.

In late March, the Parliament of Abkhazia voted to amend the Administrative Offences Code, establishing penalties and criminal liability for illegal consumption of electricity for cryptocurrency mining.

Authorities also extended the ban on mining and the import of equipment for cryptocurrency mining until March 31, 2022.

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