Russia's Path to Mining Compliance: New Amnesty Proposal Aims to Close Registration Gap

Russia’s crypto mining sector faces a significant compliance challenge despite recent legalization efforts. While the nation formally recognized cryptocurrency mining as a legitimate commercial activity in 2024, the regulatory framework has encountered substantial resistance from operators. Government data reveals that approximately 60% of mining enterprises remain unregistered with the Federal Tax Service (FNS), creating a substantial gap between the legal framework and actual industry participation.

The Registration Barrier

Under Russia’s current regulatory requirements, mining operations consuming more than 6,000 kWh monthly must formally register and fulfill tax obligations. Yet only around 150 mining infrastructure operators and roughly 1,300 related business entities have completed this process. The disconnect between legal recognition and actual compliance rates points to deeper structural issues within the industry.

The Equipment Impediment

The primary obstacle preventing wider registration has been identified as the lack of amnesty provisions for illegally imported mining hardware. Many established mining enterprises procured their equipment through unofficial channels before regulatory frameworks solidified. This creates a legal gray zone where operators fear that voluntary registration might expose them to penalties for historical equipment sourcing practices.

Regulatory Innovation in Motion

Oleg Ogienko, serving as CEO of Via Numeri and advisor to the State Duma’s crypto legislative regulatory working group, has recently unveiled a strategic proposal. His initiative centers on implementing a targeted amnesty program specifically designed for mining operations utilizing unlicensed imported equipment. The approach aims to eliminate a key psychological and legal barrier that discourages miners from entering the formal regulatory system.

Industry Impact Potential

By removing penalties associated with past equipment imports and offering a pathway to legitimacy, this amnesty proposal could substantially accelerate registration rates. Such a policy shift would allow the approximately 60% of unregistered mining companies to transition into compliance without fear of retroactive sanctions. This represents an evolution in Russia’s regulatory strategy—shifting from penalization toward facilitation of legalization.

The proposal demonstrates how regulatory bodies are learning that incentive-based mechanisms may prove more effective than punitive approaches in expanding formal market participation within the emerging crypto mining sector.