Russian Ministry of Justice proposes criminal penalties for illegal cryptocurrency mining, with a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison

According to Odaily, the Russian Ministry of Justice has recently submitted a draft amendment to the Criminal Code aimed at cracking down on unregistered illegal cryptocurrency mining activities within the country. Under this draft, illegal mining activities will face fines of up to 1.5 million rubles (approximately $19,000) or up to two years of compulsory labor.

If illegal mining activities involve substantial profits, the maximum penalty can reach up to five years of imprisonment, as well as fines of up to 2.5 million rubles (about $31,800) or 480 hours of compulsory labor. For illegal “organized groups” that achieve substantial profits, the amendment also sets a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment or compulsory labor.

Russian Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov stated that as of June 19, 2025, only about 30% of cryptocurrency miners have completed registration and achieved legal operation, with most practitioners still operating in a “grey area.” According to current regulations, individual miners with monthly electricity consumption below 6,000 kWh do not need to register, but are still required to pay personal income tax. (Cointelegraph)