Bybit
Russian Deputy Wanted in Illegal Mining Case
Law enforcement authorities in Russia have placed regional deputy Alexey Boykov on an international wanted list. The decision relates to an investigation into illegal cryptocurrency mining. The case also includes allegations of large-scale fraud.
According to sources cited by TASS, the estimated damage could reach 300 million rubles. Investigators believe the deputy organized a cryptocurrency mining operation. The activity reportedly took place on land officially rented for beekeeping.
However, authorities say the site hosted a mining farm instead. The facility allegedly included around 890 mining devices. These machines were used to mine digital assets. Such large operations require significant electricity consumption.
Investigators suspect the mining operation violated energy regulations. Illegal cryptocurrency mining cases have increased in Russia recently. Authorities are tightening control over mining farms and crypto infrastructure. So, enforcement actions have become more frequent.
Boykov’s alleged accomplice has already been detained. He is currently held in a pre-trial detention center. The investigation continues under charges of fraud on a large scale. If proven guilty, the penalty could reach ten years in prison.
Deputy’s response and investigation details
Representatives of Alexey Boykov say he is not hiding from investigators. Last autumn the deputy traveled abroad with his family. During the trip he reportedly suffered a hypertensive crisis. As a result, he could not return to Russia.
According to his team, doctors recommended further medical treatment. They also imposed temporary restrictions on air travel. Medical documents confirming this condition were submitted to investigators. The defense claims authorities are aware of these circumstances.
Boykov’s representatives state that the accusations remain unproven. They argue that placing the deputy on the wanted list was premature. However, they say he intends to cooperate with investigators once doctors allow travel.
For now, Boykov continues to perform his parliamentary duties remotely. He leads the LDPR faction in the regional legislative assembly. The position was assigned to him in April 2024. His predecessor had been arrested earlier in a bribery case.
The situation has drawn attention within the cryptocurrency industry. Illegal mining operations remain a sensitive issue in many regions. At the same time, the crypto mining sector continues to expand globally.
