Russia Cracks Down on Illegal Crypto Mining

The Russian Ministry of Justice has introduced a draft amendment to the Criminal Code to punish illegal cryptocurrency mining, reflecting stricter oversight of unlicensed digital asset activities. Under the proposal, people mining without registration could face fines of up to 1.5 million rubles or up to two years of compulsory labor. New Article 171.6 would also allow penalties for operators of mining infrastructure. If the activity causes large damage or involves organized groups, the draft allows sentences of up to five years in prison. The amendment is currently open for public review on Russia’s official legal portal.