Russia’s Crypto Crackdown: Miners Face 5 Years in Jail! 🚨💰

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Oh, the Russian government, ever the paragon of subtlety, has decided to tighten its grip on crypto miners with a new law so draconian, it would make a medieval inquisitor weep with envy. 😏

Just weeks after officially legalizing cryptocurrency mining, the Russian Ministry of Justice has proposed new criminal penalties targeting miners who operate outside the system. If approved, illegal crypto mining could carry fines, forced labor, and even prison sentences of up to five years. Because nothing says “freedom” like a five-year stint in a Siberian gulag. 🧠

Russia Targets Unregistered Crypto Miners

The proposal, published on Russia’s official legal draft portal, introduces a new article to the Criminal Code: Article 171.6, titled “Illegal mining of digital currency and activities of a mining infrastructure operator.” How delightfully specific! 🤡

Under the draft law, anyone mining digital assets without being registered could face punishment. The document specifically refers to “conducting digital currency mining by a person not included in the register of persons engaged in digital currency mining.” Because, of course, the state must know everything about your digital assets. 📋

For basic violations, penalties could include a fine of up to 1.5 million rubles, compulsory labor, or up to two years of forced labor. Because nothing says “I’m a responsible citizen” like spending two years in a labor camp. ⛏️

Higher Profits Could Mean Prison Time

The law draws a clear line based on the scale of profits. If illegal mining causes “significant damage” or generates income of 3.5 million rubles, criminal liability applies. For cases involving organized groups or profits deemed “especially large” – 13.5 million rubles or more – the punishment becomes much harsher. Because obviously, the state needs to protect itself from the rich. 💸

In those cases, courts could impose fines ranging from 500,000 to 2.5 million rubles, forced labor for up to five years, or prison sentences of up to five years, with additional fines possible. Because nothing says “we value your contributions” like a five-year prison sentence. 🚜

Legal Mining Comes With Rules

Russia legalized crypto mining on November 1, 2024, but with strict conditions. On the same day, the Federal Tax Service launched official registries for miners and mining infrastructure operators. Because nothing says “trust us” like a bureaucratic labyrinth. 🧩

As of the end of May 2025, more than 1,000 miners were registered. All miners, including individuals and businesses, must report their mined digital assets every month through their tax accounts. Because nothing says “transparency” like monthly tax reports. 📊

Enforcement Is the Next Step

In early December, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the government plans to introduce criminal liability for illegal mining in 2026. The direction is now clear. Crypto mining is allowed in Russia but only for those willing to operate openly, register, and report. Those who don’t may soon face more than just fines. Because nothing says “we care” like a five-year prison sentence. 🧠

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2025-12-30 15:37