Bribes for Mining Protection: Multiple Criminal Cases Launched in Novgorod Region

In the Novgorod Region, law enforcement detained several officials from the local branch of Rosseti Severozapad, along with alleged organizers of a large mining operation. According to investigators, the bribe total exceeded 290 thousand rubles, and the scheme reportedly masked miners’ electricity overuse for nearly a year. Those involved include a senior master and a master of the Soletsky site, who allegedly submitted false data on actual power consumption.

Investigations by officials and the regional FSB found that unaccounted capacity fueled dozens of mining rigs. Every month, the farm may have yielded hundreds of thousands of rubles in crypto income by exploiting preferential tariffs and effectively avoiding official records. Searches were conducted at suspects’ residences and related facilities, where equipment and financial documents were seized. The criminal cases revolve around “Receiving a bribe” and “Giving a bribe,” offenses that can carry up to eight years in prison.

Local authorities promise to tighten power consumption controls, especially in high-load areas, to prevent such arrangements from recurring. According to a statement by the energy company’s press service, additional audits will be conducted, and meters replaced to identify abnormal usage levels.