Kuwait steps up crackdown on illegal Bitcoin mining to protect power grid

• Illegal Bitcoin mining overloads Kuwait power grid
• Kuwait steps up crackdown on unlicensed Bitcoin miners
• Ministry cuts electricity to properties used for mining

The Kuwaiti government has initiated a offensive strict crackdown on illegal cryptocurrency mining operations, resulting in the investigation of approximately 60 individuals. The action, recently carried out by local authorities, focused on properties suspected of operating as clandestine mining centers, especially in residential areas.

The crackdown is prompted by growing concerns about the uncontrolled consumption of electricity caused by these activities. According to the government office, these operations have been overloading the national power grid, causing power outages and putting the stability of public infrastructure at risk. Authorities have highlighted that the equipment used in cryptocurrency mining consumes large amounts of electricity in an unauthorized manner.

According to the Public Prosecutor's Office, several individuals remain in custody, including owners who rented properties for these activities. Some of those under investigation have already been released on bail, set at 500 Kuwaiti dinars. Police reports indicate that the accused allegedly moved amounts of up to 4.000 dinars daily from unknown sources, which reinforces suspicions about the illicit origin of the operations.

During the investigation, several pieces of mining equipment directly linked to the defendants were seized. To prevent the continuation of illegal activities, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Electricity began immediately cutting off the power supply to locations identified as mining hotspots. Reconnecting power to these properties will only be authorized with the approval of the Ministry of the Interior.

The country has reinforced measures to protect the energy system in the face of increased pressure caused by clandestine mining, which has grown with the appreciation of digital assets such as Bitcoin.