Three Illegal Cryptocurrency Miners Apprehended in Uzbekistan

During official raids in the Tashkent region, three Uzbek citizens were detained on suspicion of stealing electricity for cryptocurrency mining. This was reported by the local State Security Service. 

One of the offenders, a 31-year-old resident of Yangiyul, illegally connected ten Antminer L3++ ASIC miners to the power grid. The damage to the energy company exceeded 1 billion soums (~$79,700). 

Two other cases were identified in the Kibrai district. The miners installed devices in homes without contracts with the power supply company. The company incurred losses of 685.9 million soums (~$54,700) and 579.4 million soums (~$46,200). 

The total damage from the three instances of electricity theft amounted to 2.26 billion soums (~$180,500). Criminal cases have been opened against each of the three miners, and investigations are ongoing.

Earlier this year, Uzbek authorities introduced administrative and criminal penalties for illegal mining and various other cryptocurrency operations. 

The new sanctions and penalties come into effect on April 19.