Authorities in Abkhazia’s Capital Shut Down 25 Illegal Bitcoin Miners

Police in Sukhumi, during raids to uncover illegal electricity connections and cryptocurrency mining, discovered three mining farms, according to the local Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Nineteen devices were located in a repair workshop, four in a warehouse on a residential property, and two in the basement of a house.

All equipment was confiscated.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Transport of Abkhazia, as cited by TASS, local law enforcement discovered over 3000 ASIC miners in 2023 and more than 800 in 2024.

Since 2019, cryptocurrency mining and the import of related equipment have been banned in the republic.

Despite this, in 2022, authorities approved special tariffs for miners.

In November 2023, the Sukhumi administration proposed immediate disposal of confiscated illegal devices.