Raids Target “Gray Miners” in Irkutsk After Noise Complaints and Record Power Usage

Irkutsk is experiencing a surge of inspections aimed at shutting down unauthorized “gray miners.” According to NTS Television, local officials received over 150 public complaints in the past eight weeks regarding excessive noise levels and electricity consumption exceeding normal rates by 40% in residential areas. During the raids, authorities discovered around 70 mining rigs operating in unsafe conditions.

Officials note the rise in complaints coincides with cheaper mining hardware hitting the market: at the end of 2023, the average price of a single rig dropped from 180 thousand rubles to 130 thousand rubles, making crypto mining more accessible. In 60% of identified violations, devices were hidden in storage rooms and apartment building basements, posing significant risks of electrical short circuits and fires.

Special attention is being paid to private neighborhoods, where abnormal energy consumption levels are highest. Experts warn that “gray miner” activities frequently cause voltage spikes that can lead to power grid failures. Local utility companies are continuing joint operations with energy officials and law enforcement to clamp down on illegal mining efforts.