Authorities Shut Down Three Illegal Crypto Mining Farms in Abkhazia’s Capital

The Department of Internal Affairs in Sukhum, the capital of Abkhazia, has dismantled three illegal cryptocurrency mining farms, seizing a total of 25 mining devices. The police specifically targeted these operations for their unauthorized connections to the power grid, according to Bits.media.

The crackdown involved three separate locations. On Artsakh Street, four mining devices were found in a private household. An additional two devices were discovered in the basement of house  on Eshba Street, while the largest haul, 19 devices, was located in a repair shop inside house  on Shapsugskaya Street.

This operation is part of a broader initiative by the Sukhum administration, which began in November 2023, to combat illegal crypto mining. The Ministry of Energy and Transport of Abkhazia reported that over 3,000 mining devices were confiscated in 2023, with another 800 seized in the first quarter of 2024. This ongoing effort includes not only confiscation but also the disposal of all seized mining equipment to prevent further illegal mining activities.

The intensified measures follow a recent meeting of Abkhazia’s operational headquarters on illegal cryptocurrency mining. Authorities have resolved to toughen their stance on underground mining operations, aiming to curb the rampant unauthorized use of electricity and ensure legal compliance within the region.