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Four Illegal Bitcoin Mining Farms Found in Tyumen Region
Authorities in Russia’s Tyumen region uncovered four illegal bitcoin mining farms organized by a former energy executive. Over $600,000 in damages were caused by unauthorized electricity use.
Former energy executive behind illegal mining scheme
The Investigative Committee of Russia reported that a former head of a local power company, together with two residents of Tyumen, organized a network of illegal cryptocurrency mining farms. Between January and September 2025, the group deployed four mining operations across several villages in the Nizhnetavdinsky district.
The suspects connected their equipment to the power grid using household electricity rates, which led to a surge in consumption and disruptions in supply. The total damage to the energy company exceeded 60 million rubles (about $600,000).
Authorities seize 2,000 mining devices
During the raids, investigators seized more than 2,000 ASIC miners, financial documents, and communication devices. All confiscated equipment has been secured for storage while the investigation continues.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the individuals were not registered as licensed cryptocurrency miners. Law enforcement is currently checking whether they are connected to other illegal mining activities in the region.
Criminal case opened under Article 286
A criminal case has been launched under Part 3 of Article 286 of the Russian Criminal Code — “Abuse of official authority committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy.” The Investigative Committee emphasized that large-scale illegal bitcoin mining poses serious risks to regional power grids and requires stricter monitoring and regulation.
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