Russian power firms find new way to spot illegal crypto miners
Officials consider harsher penalties and wider mining bans to curb illegal operations in Russia.
Russian power engineers have found new ways to spot illegal crypto mining farms in areas with power shortages. In Dagestan, Rosseti and its local branch worked with internet providers to cut internet briefly and measure electricity drops.
The operation detected about 900 mining rigs using 3.2 MW—enough energy for 1,500 homes—even though fewer than 900 families live there.
Dagestan leads illegal crypto mining in the North Caucasus. Despite a winter ban until 2031, many miners operate year-round, avoiding proper electricity payments.
Officials estimate that illegal mining has cost the grid $5…
