Russia plans to draft legislation to crack down on illegal mining; the maximum penalty could be up to 5 years in prison, and 13 regions have already implemented a full ban on mining.

Gate News message, April 2, the Russian government submitted a bill to the State Duma, proposing criminal penalties for illegal cryptocurrency mining activities. According to the bill, violators would face a fine of up to 2 million rubles (about $25,000) and up to 5 years in prison. Currently, about 50,000 individuals and entities in Russia are engaged in mining activities, but fewer than 1,500 have completed registration. Meanwhile, Russia has expanded the mining ban to 13 regions, including the Republic of Buryatia in Siberia and the Transbaikal Krai; the ban will remain in effect until 2031. The energy minister of the Moscow Oblast has also proposed banning mining in the capital and the Moscow region, saying local mining consumes electricity of about 1GW and makes no real contribution to the regional economy. Russia previously legalized mining at the end of 2024, but requires those in the industry to complete registration with the Federal Tax Service and pay taxes according to law.