Omsk Region: Miner Shoots Meter, Steals Power Worth 7 mln rubles

In the Sedelnikovsky District of Russia’s Omsk Region, police discovered an illegal farm of 60 rigs mining cryptocurrency. The owner reportedly shot an electric meter to conceal real consumption. Investigators say the damage inflicted on the utility company amounts to 7 mln rubles.

Authorities also found a weapons cache at the scene, including an unlicensed rifle and nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition. The suspect had installed an underground cable to bypass official lines, allowing him to avoid electricity bills for months.

Criminal charges include “Illegal arms possession” and “Property damage.” Investigators suspect accomplices helped lay the cables. According to local media, the accused evaded security personnel from the power supplier for an extended period.